Nursery Rhyme Action Cards: Free Printable Card Set for Ages 2 to 4
Nursery Rhyme Action Cards is a free printable card set for Ages 2 to 4 (ages 2 to 4), in Early Years. Sing the rhyme and do the action. It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, and a stretch idea. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This card set includes cards to cut out and use.
A look at what children will meet:
- Twinkle Twinkle: open and close hands
- Wheels on the Bus: roll your arms
- Incy Wincy Spider: wiggle fingers up
- Row Your Boat: pull arms back and forth
- Humpty Dumpty: wobble and fall
- Baa Baa Black Sheep: nod your head
- Head, Shoulders, Knees: touch each part
- I'm a Little Teapot: tip to one side
- Jack and Jill: climb up high
Who this is for
Ages 2 to 4 (ages 2 to 4) in Early Years.
Early learning before school is best done through play, talk and hands-on activity. Keep sessions short, stop while it is still fun, and sit alongside your child. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Listening
- Singing
- Moving
Joins in with songs and moves along to words.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: English. Key stage: Early Years. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- 1 child with a grown-up. 5 to 10 minutes.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Do the action with your child first, then sing slowly.
To stretch confident children
Let your child choose the next rhyme.
Make it a game
Sing quietly, then loudly, then in a funny voice.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Print on plain A4 paper. Black and white printing works too.
- Work through it together the first time, then let children try alone.
- Praise effort and thinking, not only correct answers.
A screen-free english activity for Ages 2 to 3
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free english activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free english resources for teachers
Teachers can use this card set as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
English ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free english worksheets for Ages 2 to 3, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider english plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
Curriculum links for teachers
This sheet supports the areas below. It is matched to the published England frameworks. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage | Expressive Arts and Design | Being Imaginative and Expressive | Ages 2 to 3 |
What children will be able to do
- I can join in with a nursery rhyme.
- I can do the actions that go with the words.
- I can move along to the song.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- Which rhyme is your favourite, and what are the actions?
- Can you show me what happens in this song?
- What do you do when the song gets faster?
More like this
- Clap the Rhythm Cards
- Finger Rhyme Action Sheet
- Letter Hunt in the Garden
- Letter Hunt Scavenger Sheet
Same subject, one year up: All About My Dad
Frequently asked questions
What age is Nursery Rhyme Action Cards for?
It is written for Ages 2 to 4 (ages 2 to 4), in Early Years.
What will children practise?
Joins in with songs and moves along to words.
How do I use it?
1 child with a grown-up. 5 to 10 minutes.
What if it feels too hard?
Do the action with your child first, then sing slowly.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Nursery Rhyme Action Cards suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More for Early Years | More english printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources