Bo Peep February 17, 2017 All Rhymes 0 Comments

A robin sitting on a rail is having a cup of tea with a child

Little Robin Redbreast Sat Upon a Rail

Little Robin Readbreast
Sat upon a rail.
Niddle, naddle went his head;
Wiggle, waggle went his tail.
Little Robin Redbreast
Came to visit me;
This is what he whistled,
Thank you for my tea.

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Posted in All Rhymes, Animals, Mother Goose Classics, Play & Action, Songs & Verses

Tagged bird, finger play, head, rail, robin, tail, tea

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Meaning

This joyful nursery rhyme tells the story of Little Robin Redbreast, who playfully visits and interacts with a pussycat. It captures a lighthearted chase and the bird’s quick escape, emphasizing themes of fun, playfulness, and the natural behavior of animals.

Origin

The earliest printed version appeared in Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book (1744), containing a more rustic and crude version. Over time, it evolved into a popular children’s rhyme with fingerplay elements and animal characters found in 19th- and 20th-century collections.

Time Period

Earliest print record dates to 1744 with continual adaptations since the 18th century, keeping it a beloved rhyme in English-speaking households.

Why It Became Popular

Its easy rhythm, simple story, and vivid imagery make it memorable for young children. The rhyme often accompanies fingerplay and hand gestures mimicking the bird, engaging kids physically and mentally.

Structure and Style

Meter: Iambic and anapestic with sing-song rhythm
Rhyme Scheme: Mainly AABB and AABCCB in different verses
Line Count: Typically 4 to 8 lines per stanza
Style Notes: Narrative, playful, with fingerplay instructions in some versions

Themes

Animal play and interaction
Chase and escape
Natural behavior
Childhood fun and engagement

Language Notes

Uses simple, repetitive sounds like “niddle noddle” and “wiggle waggle” to encourage phonetic play and motor skills development in children.

Moral or Lesson

Primarily for entertainment and engagement; no strict moral but fosters appreciation of nature, animals, and playful interaction.

Historical or Cultural Notes

The rhyme is among the earliest printed nursery rhymes and has been used as a fingerplay since the early 20th century. It illustrates how nursery rhymes evolve in wording and style but retain core elements for child engagement.

Notable Variants

Many versions vary lines, such as swapping “rail” for “pole” or adjusting the pussycat’s actions. Some include longer verses with additional bird and cat antics.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Widely included in classic nursery rhyme anthologies and popular children’s songbooks. Frequently featured in early childhood education for rhythm and motor skills.

Suggested Activities

Fingerplay: Use hand motions to mimic Robin’s head and tail movements as described in the rhyme.
Roleplay: Act out the chase between Robin and pussycat with children.
Art Project: Draw scenes from the rhyme and the playful characters.
Phonetics Game: Practice the fun sounds “niddle noddle” and “wiggle waggle.”
Storytelling: Create new verses imagining further adventures of Robin and the pussycat.

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Little Robin Redbreast Sat Upon a Rail

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