"Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John": A Read-Aloud-Rhyme

Parents and teachers can read these rhymes aloud, and encourage little ones to repeat and even memorize them (I did when I was a kid!)

This rhyme is just for fun!

Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John,
Went to bed with his stockings on;
One shoe off, and one shoe on,
Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John.

Some words to talk about:

• dumpling: a kind of food; here, it's just a nonsense word
• stockings: socks

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ACTIVITIES

Do some pretending! Here are suggestions for each line:

• First line: The kid dances to the rhythm of the line.
• Second line: Lie down and point to your socks.
• Third line: Have one off and one on and point to each as you say it.
• Fourth line: Jump up and dance again!

You can repeat the rhyme several times, instead of stockings using:

• trousers (pants)
• t-shirt
• ball cap
• and so on.

Have fun!