One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
Quick Answer
A cheerful counting rhyme that walks from one to twenty with little actionsâbuckle, knock, pick up sticksâmaking numbers feel like a song.
Why This Story Works for Bedtime
Predictable and soothing. Kids can whisper-count along, and the rhythm helps slow the body down before sleep.
Story at a Glance
RECOMMENDED AGES
3-7 years
READING TIME
1 min
Story Synopsis
âOne, Two, Buckle My Shoeâ is a classic counting rhyme that turns numbers into a sequence of tiny, everyday actions. Each couplet adds the next number pairâbuckle your shoe, knock at the door, pick up sticks, lay them straightâuntil it reaches twenty. The fun is in the steady pattern: children know whatâs coming and feel confident joining in. Because itâs repetitive and singable, it works beautifully at bedtime. You can even say it slower each round, like a gentle countdown. Many parents use it as a quick way to practice counting without it feeling like âwork.â
Story Excerpt
One, two, Buckle my shoe; Three, four, Knock at the door; Five, six, Pick up sticks; Seven, eight, Lay them straight; Nine, ten, A good fat hen; Eleven, twelve, Who will delve; Thirteen, fourteen, Maids a-courting; Fifteen, sixteen, Maids in the kitchen; Seventeen, eighteen, Maids a-waiting; Nineteen, twenty, My plate's empty.
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In One Glance
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe is a counting nursery rhyme that pairs numbers with simple actions, moving from one up to twenty. Its repetition makes it easy for children to join in and memorize. Read slowly, it becomes a calming bedtime chant that supports early number sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
A counting rhyme that links numbers to small actions from 1 to 20.
Ages 3â7.
Yesârhythmic and predictable.
Say it slowly as a gentle countdown and let kids count along.