Poems & Rhymes

Short, calm poems to read aloud together, written for Autism Learning Guide. Each one is about an everyday moment, like bath time, waiting or bedtime, with a gentle rhythm that is easy to join in with.

Read slowly, pause at the end of each line, and let your child fill in the last word once they know the poem. Clapping or tapping the beat can help too.

All poems

Morning StepsOpen your eyes, stretch up tall and wash your face. A gentle rhyme for the morning routine.Read and listen →Shoes On, Out We GoCoat on, shoes on, out we go. Getting ready to leave, one step at a time.Read and listen →Brushing TeethTop teeth, bottom teeth, side to side. A gentle rhyme for brushing time.Read and listen →Bath Time BubblesWarm water, soft bubbles and a splash or two. A calm rhyme for bath time.Read and listen →Bedtime StarsLights go low and stars come out. A sleepy rhyme to end the day.Read and listen →First, ThenFirst this, then that. A simple rhyme that makes the next step easy to see.Read and listen →Wait a Little WhileWaiting can be hard. A rhyme with small things to do while the time goes by.Read and listen →The Quiet CornerWhen the world feels loud: soft cushions, slow breaths and a quiet place to feel calm again.Read and listen →My Feelings WeatherSunny, cloudy or stormy inside? A rhyme for naming big and small feelings.Read and listen →My Helping HandsPut toys away, stir the soup and wave hello. A happy rhyme about helping at home.Read and listen →The Rainy WindowPitter, patter on the glass. A quiet rhyme for watching the rain.Read and listen →The Train Goes RoundRound and round the little train goes. A counting rhyme with a steady beat.Read and listen →

Want a longer story? See our calm stories.