10 Classic Nursery Rhymes Every Toddler Should Know (and Why They Build Early Literacy)

Nursery rhymes have been a beloved part of childhood for generations—and not just because they're fun to sing. Research confirms these simple, rhythmic songs are powerful tools for early literacy, helping children build vocabulary, language awareness, and the foundation for reading success.

At Tappi, we understand the magic of nursery rhymes firsthand. That's why we created interactive Song Books, enabling toddlers to tap, sing, and actively engage with these timeless tunes. Here's exactly why nursery rhymes matter and the top 10 rhymes every toddler should learn.

Why Nursery Rhymes Matter for Early Literacy

• Early rhyme knowledge predicts reading success → Research shows children who know nursery rhymes at an early age tend to become stronger readers. One study found that kids familiar with at least eight rhymes by age four were among the top readers by age eight, highlighting rhyme knowledge as a key predictor of kindergarten readiness.
• Rhythm, rhyme, and phonological awareness → Nursery rhymes help children recognize and manipulate smaller sounds within words—a critical pre-reading skill known as phonological awareness. Chanting rhymes like "Hickory Dickory Dock" helps tune children's ears to language patterns, preparing them for reading.
• Repetition builds the brain → Toddlers naturally love repetition, and for good reason. Neuroscience confirms hearing the same rhymes repeatedly strengthens neural connections vital for language learning, vocabulary retention, and comprehension skills.
• Interactive and multisensory learning → Many nursery rhymes include actions or gestures, making language learning interactive. Songs like "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" connect words to actions, enhancing comprehension and memory.
• Songs spark joy and emotional connections → Singing together creates positive emotions around language. These happy associations encourage children to engage more with words, nurturing a lifelong love for reading.

Bringing Nursery Rhymes to Life with Tappi

Tappi's interactive Song Books transform traditional nursery rhymes into engaging, tactile experiences toddlers adore:

• 6 nursery rhymes in each book
• Tap pictures to hear verses sung aloud
• Tap characters or animals to discover hidden phrases
• Replay favorite parts as often as your child likes

This interactive approach encourages active language practice, fine motor skill development, and independence—without screens. Nursery rhyme time becomes a joyful, educational moment your toddler can lead.

10 Classic Nursery Rhymes for Toddlers

1. The Wheels on the Bus
2. Old MacDonald Had a Farm
3. Row, Row, Row Your Boat
4. Five Little Ducks
5. Mary Had a Little Lamb
6. The Itsy Bitsy Spider
7. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
8. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
9. ABC Song
10. Hickory Dickory Dock

✨ More favorites: Zoom Zoom Zoom, Down by the Bay, Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes, Baa Baa Black Sheep.

These rhymes blend rhythm, repetition, and movement—essential ingredients for enjoyable, language-rich learning.

Final Takeaway

Nursery rhymes are more than just traditional songs—they're a proven pathway to early literacy and language skills. Singing and playing with rhymes daily, especially through interactive, screen-free tools like Tappi Song Books, sets your toddler up for a lifetime of reading success.

👉 Explore the Tappi Song Books and bring these classic rhymes to life, one tap at a time.