St Bernadette's 40 Nursery Rhymes to Grow Your Mind!

At St Bernadette, we understand the importance of Nursery Rhymes on children's academic, social and emotional development. That is why we have created "St Bernadette's 40 Nursery Rhymes to Grow Your Mind!" Children in Nursery, Reception and Year 1 have daily "Rhyme Time" sessions as part of their timetable. Each week, they have a new "Nursery Rhyme of the Week" where they will learn the words and any actions that go with the rhyme. This rhyme is shared with parents at home so that the whole family can get involved. The children cover the same 40 rhymes each year, so that by the time they leave Year 1, they can confidently recite all 40 rhymes. The children will also explore some other rhymes that are not on this list, and parents are welcome to share any nursery rhymes from their own childhoods and cultures. 

Nursery rhymes are more than fun songs—when children hear and join in with familiar rhythms, they build language skills, attention, memory, and confidence. For parents, they offer a simple, low-pressure way to strengthen everyday learning through play. These rhymes encourage key developmental abilities that matter in the primary years. As children listen, repeat, and predict what comes next, they practise listening carefully, expanding vocabulary, and improving pronunciation. Many rhymes also introduce early concepts such as counting, days of the week, opposites, and sequencing, helping children make sense of the world while developing early numeracy and reasoning. We invite you to use this collection in a practical, family-friendly way—read or sing a rhyme together each day, encourage your child to join in with the chorus, and talk about the words and images they notice. Whether you choose a quick bedtime rhyme or a longer sing-along after school, consistency and warmth make the difference. We hope these rhymes inspire curiosity, support learning, and help your child grow with joy