World Nursery Rhyme Week 2026
Monday 9 November to Friday 13 November 2026
World Nursery Rhyme Week invites families and early years settings to enjoy five selected rhymes through a Rhyme a Day challenge. Singing and related activities offer different ways for children to participate.
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Dates and event details
World Nursery Rhyme Week 2026 runs from Monday 9 to Friday 13 November.
| Where | International |
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What is World Nursery Rhyme Week?
World Nursery Rhyme Week encourages families and early years settings to enjoy nursery rhymes together. The initiative invites children to join a Rhyme a Day challenge, with five selected rhymes and supporting activities across the week.
It is designed for people who have or work with children under seven, including parents, carers, childminders, nurseries, primary schools and libraries. A short, familiar singing session can be a useful contribution; it does not need to become a public performance.
What are the five official rhymes for 2026?
The organiser’s 2026 FAQs list:
- Hickory Dickory Dock
- Doctor Foster
- Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat
- Row Row Row Your Boat
- 12345
Use the current registration pack for the organiser’s activity materials and any daily sequence. The ideas below are our own suggestions for using the selected rhymes; they are not a replacement for the official pack.
When is World Nursery Rhyme Week 2026?
The confirmed dates are 9–13 November 2026. The official campaign website provides current information and registration.
Check the announced dates each year. World Nursery Rhyme Week is not reliably described as the last week of November, and a previous year’s resource pack may contain different dates and rhymes.
Activity ideas for nurseries and early years settings
Notice rhythm and repetition
Begin with a rhyme children already recognise. Offer clapping, tapping or a visual cue alongside the singing, allowing children to observe before joining. Keep the pace comfortable and repeat a short section if the group wants another turn.
Use a clock picture with Hickory Dickory Dock
Show a large clock picture and invite children to move a paper mouse towards it. Talk about what happens first and next. Adults can demonstrate the movement without expecting every child to speak or sing.
Explore a rainy-day picture with Doctor Foster
Use a drawing of a puddle as a conversation prompt. Children can describe, point to or draw what they might wear on a wet day. Keep this as a picture-based activity if outdoor conditions or access make an actual walk unsuitable.
Make a pretend journey
Use Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat or Row Row Row Your Boat to imagine a journey. Invite suggestions for a place to visit or something to notice along the way. A seated action or a picture choice gives different ways to contribute.
Count with 12345
Use large picture cards to show the numbers in sequence. Let children point, move a card or join in verbally. Choose materials suitable for the group’s age and supervision needs rather than small loose items.
Planning an accessible week
Give staff the rhyme choices in advance and ask what support children may need. Consider sound levels, visual prompts, seating and familiar communication methods. Families may wish to contribute a rhyme from another language alongside the official selection.
Keep observations about participation specific and respectful. Enjoying an activity in different ways is expected; a campaign challenge is not a test of a child’s development.
How to get the free resource pack
The organiser confirms that registration and participation are free and provides a registration route through its website. The current pack includes materials for the selected rhymes. Read the confirmation information after registering and check that you have the 2026 pack.
The organiser’s background page explains that Music Bugs founded the initiative, which launched in 2013. Use official materials for campaign branding and current participation instructions.
Taking part at home
Choose a time when a short activity fits naturally, such as a quiet moment before a meal. Repeat a favourite rhyme, use simple actions or look at a picture together. Children can listen, point or join in at their own pace.
There is no need to film a child or publish a performance to take part. If sharing work from a school or group, follow the setting’s consent arrangements and explain where it will be used.
Reviewed 23 October 2026. Confirmed dates, the five official rhymes and free registration; added original activities and practical access guidance.
Frequently asked questions
When is World Nursery Rhyme Week 2026?
It runs from Monday 9 to Friday 13 November 2026.
Is registration free?
Yes. The organiser states that registration and participation are free, with a resource pack available through registration.
Who is the week for?
It is open to families and people working with children under seven.
Do children have to perform every rhyme?
The initiative invites participation in a Rhyme a Day challenge. Adapt the activity to the children and setting; a public performance is not necessary.
