An introduction to counting out rhymes
Channel: British Library
Date: 2016-10-13

Before any game can begin, a very important task must take place: deciding who will be ‘it’. This task is carried out with almost ritualistic dedication, as the children use a number of counting out or dipping rhymes to decide fairly who will have to turn the rope or chase others. 

Rhymes referring to potatoes, dirty shoes, bubbles, fairy queens, racing cars, white horses, bananas, coconuts, dogs with the flu, and cats with the chickenpox, are all used when counting out, turning what could be a dull task into one full of fantasy and nonsense. While not as prevalent as they once were, counting out rhymes remain an important part of the playground and children’s lore.

Introduction by Michael Rosen.

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