Nursery rhymes are timeless, catchy songs that have been passed down through generations, helping young children develop essential language skills.

With their simple and repetitive lyrics, these rhymes engage kids in learning while introducing them to rhythm, rhyme, and melody.

Beyond just fun, nursery rhymes also promote memory retention, fine motor skills, and social interaction, often through clapping games or sing-alongs that encourage children to participate actively.

About the Rhyme

This Old Man is a playful nursery rhyme that teaches children counting and rhythm through its repetitive structure.

Each verse introduces a new number and a corresponding action or body part, creating a fun pattern for kids to follow.

Complete Lyrics of This Old Man

This old man, he played one
He played knick-knack on my thumb
With a knick-knack paddy whack
Give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home

This old man, he played two
He played knick-knack on his shoe
With a knick-knack paddy whack
Give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home

This old man, he played three
He played knick-knack on his knee
With a knick-knack paddy whack
Give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home

This old man, he played four
He played knick-knack on his door
With a knick-knack paddy whack
Give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home

This old man, he played five
He played knick-knack on his hive
With a knick-knack paddy whack
Give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home

This old man, he played six
He played knick-knack with his sticks;
With a knick-knack paddy whack
Give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home

This old man, he played seven
He played knick-knack up to heaven;
With a knick-knack paddy whack
Give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home

This old man, he played eight
He played knick-knack on his gate
With a knick-knack paddy whack
Give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home

This old man, he played nine
He played knick-knack on his spine
With a knick-knack paddy whack
Give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home

This old man, he played ten
He played knick-knack once again
With a knick-knack paddy whack
Give a dog a bone
This old man came rolling home

Similar Rhymes Like This old man

Here are a few similar nursery rhymes to This Old Man, known for their repetitive, rhythmic structure and engaging lyrics:

• Skip To My Lou: A fun, interactive song with repetitive lines, perfect for sing-alongs and clapping games.
• The Wheels On The Bus Go Round And Round: This song teaches children about different things on a bus, with repeated verses that kids love to sing along to.
• Head Shoulders Knees And Toes: It is a popular rhyme for teaching kids about different body parts, incorporating movement for a fun, active learning experience.
• London Bridge Is Falling Down: London Bridge is Falling Down is a traditional rhyme where children play a game while singing, with repetitive lines and motions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does This Old Man Aid Child Development?

The song helps with language development, rhythm, and memory retention. It also promotes coordination through actions or clapping games, making it both educational and fun for young children.

Are There Any Games Associated With This Old Man?

Yes! Children often play clapping or action-based games to accompany the song. For example, they may clap or tap certain body parts corresponding to the numbers in the rhyme, helping with motor skills and interaction.

Can This Old Man be Adapted for Different Age Groups?

Yes, This Old Man can be adapted for various age groups. For younger children, you can focus on the rhythm and counting.