Importance Of Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes as a child were fun, catchy tunes that one could sing along to. Parents and teachers expressed the importance of nursery rhymes to children at young age, claiming that they are important for young children to develop an ear for language, syllables, and rhythm. Children sing along to songs like "Jack and Jill"," Humpty Dumpty", or even "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". For years, many believed nursery rhymes were for children, but what do these rhymes actually symbolize? Most of these nursery rhymes took place in the sixteenth, seventh and eighteenth centuries. Apparently, most originally composed of adult entertainment. Many were popular poems and songs. Jack and Jill were one of the many nursery rhymes that had a wicked meaning

Laurie Patsalides says "Like great poetry, their hidden meanings are arguable, but what is definite is that nursery rhymes are a tried and true method of capturing inspiring young minds and engaging them with literacy" (Patsalides). Patsalides compares nursery rhymes to poetry because of the stanzas within nursery rhymes. Teachers show the importance of literacy using nursery rhymes as a way of learning. Although teachers use that as a method of learning, parents use it to relieve stress when putting their children to sleep. Mark Rigby says "Parents put their children to bed, many resorts to singing nursery rhymes to lull them off to sleep" (Rigby). The dictionary defines lull as "calm or sends to sleep, typically with soothing sounds or movements" (Dictionary). Rigby makes the point that parents tend to be more stressed with babies throughout the night, so a way of putting them to sleep is by singing nursery rhymes. A nursery rhyme to a child is a way of laughter and relaxation. The music allows children to catch rhythms and create a beat with their hands or feet such as stomping or clapping. Anna G states "The bouncy rhythm catches their attention, and the short length means I might be able to finish a rhyme before little hands grab the book" (G). She makes a reference to babies at a young age want to touch and grab anything. She explains that the length of the nursery rhymes is quick and easy. Although nursery rhymes are a great enhancement to child education, they are unpleasing meanings behind these nursery