The rhyme goes like this (in simple lines):
One, two, buckle my shoe,
Three, four, shut the door,
Five, six, pick up sticks,
Seven, eight, lay them straight,
Nine, ten, a big fat hen.
This rhyme is about numbers and actions.
Each number pair (like 1–2, 3–4, 5–6) is followed by an action (like buckling, shutting, picking up). This makes learning interactive and easy.
Theme of the Rhyme
The main theme is learning numbers through play.
It connects numbers with everyday activities.
It uses rhyming words (shoe–two, door–four, sticks–six).
It helps children remember numbers in order by linking them with fun images.
For example:
When we say “One, two, buckle my shoe,” children imagine tying their shoe laces.
This makes numbers come alive.
Line-by-Line Explanation
Line 1: “One, two, buckle my shoe”
Numbers learned: 1 and 2.
Action: Buckling (closing) a shoe strap or tying shoelaces.
Example for kids: Imagine you are wearing your school shoes.
First, you count one, two, then you buckle them tightly so they don’t slip off.
Learning: Numbers can be connected to real-life actions.
Line 2: “Three, four, shut the door”
Numbers learned: 3 and 4.
Action: Closing a door.
Example for kids: When you leave your room, you close the door.
Counting while doing this—“three, four”—helps children remember the sequence.
Learning: Counting can happen while doing daily chores.
Line 3: “Five, six, pick up sticks”
Numbers learned: 5 and 6.
Action: Picking up sticks or cleaning up.
Example for kids: If you are playing in the park and see sticks lying on the ground, you can pick them up.
Count five, six as you do it.
Learning: Numbers can be linked with helping and tidying up.
Line 4: “Seven, eight, lay them straight”
Numbers learned: 7 and 8.
Action: Lining up the sticks neatly.
Example for kids: After picking up sticks, we arrange them straight in one line.
Count seven, eight while doing it.
Learning: Numbers can be linked to order and neatness.
Line 5: “Nine, ten, a big fat hen”
Numbers learned: 9 and 10.
Action/Image: A hen is shown—plump and cheerful.
Example for kids: Imagine a hen in a farm, clucking happily.
Counting nine, ten makes learning joyful.
Learning: Numbers can be connected to animals and fun images.
Why This Rhyme is Important
Counting Practice: Helps children learn numbers 1–10 in order.
Memory Building: Rhyming words make it easy to remember.
Language Skills: Children hear and say new words like buckle, shut, sticks, straight, hen.
Life Skills: Teaches everyday actions like tying shoes and cleaning.
Creativity: Encourages kids to imagine stories around the rhyme.
Rhyming Words in the Poem
Rhyming words make songs musical.
Let’s look at the rhyming pairs:
Two – Shoe
Four – Door
Six – Sticks
Eight – Straight
Ten – Hen
Example for kids:
Shoe rhymes with two, and door rhymes with four.
Can you think of more? (Blue–two, floor–door, mix–six).
Numbers in the Rhyme
The rhyme is basically a counting song.
First pair: 1–2
Second pair: 3–4
Third pair: 5–6
Fourth pair: 7–8
Fifth pair: 9–10
Example for kids: When we sing, we are counting in pairs.
This makes learning numbers faster and more fun.
Actions in the Rhyme
Each number pair has an action linked to it.
Buckle (tie shoes)
Shut (close the door)
Pick up (clean)
Lay straight (arrange)
Hen (animal picture)
Example for kids: You can actually act out the rhyme!
Pretend to tie your shoes, shut a door, pick up sticks, lay them straight, and finally, flap your arms like a hen.
Moral / Message of the Rhyme
Even though it’s a fun rhyme, it carries small life
