5 Ways Nursery Rhymes Help Children Read

Nursery rhymes aren't just fun. They're an excellent way to help your child build foundational reading skills that help them become a strong reader later on.

1. Nursery rhymes are easy to read and remember

The natural rhythm and rhyme make them enjoyable to read and they are easy to learn by heart. Nursery rhymes feature a lot of repetition, which also makes remembering key sounds, words, lines and verses easier.

2. Nursery rhymes develop pre‑literacy skills

Nursery rhymes teach children the basic spoken language skills needed for future literacy development, including how to modulate their voices, enunciate clearly, and articulate words. Nursery rhyme books are a great way to introduce children to the nature of books, as they combine music and pictures that make learning fun.

3. Nursery rhymes improve vocabulary

Children learn new words that they may not usually come across in everyday life, for example, 'Incy Wincy Spider climbed up the water spout' and 'Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water.'

4. Nursery rhymes introduce children to literary techniques

These include things like alliteration, for example 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' and 'Twinkle, Twinkle little star.' Nursery rhymes are also a form of poetry, teaching children rhythm and rhyme.

5. Nursery rhymes develop imagination

Nursery rhymes introduce children to a world of fantasy where colourful characters take part in a range of curious and entertaining scenarios. Nursery rhymes allow children to visualise what is happening and expand their perception of what is possible in the wonderful world of fiction.