Hand actions for This Little Piggy
This Little Piggy is an action rhyme, so act it out together as you sing. Here are the movements that go with each part:
- Wiggle or gently squeeze one toe (or finger) for each little piggy
- Save the last, littlest toe for the "wee, wee, wee" line
- Tickle up the foot or arm at the end
What does This Little Piggy mean?
A tickling toe-rhyme played on a baby, with one little piggy for each toe, ending in a happy tickle. It is a bonding game between a grown-up and a child more than a story.
What This Little Piggy teaches
Beyond being fun to sing, this rhyme quietly builds several early skills:
- Body awareness, especially toes and fingers
- Counting to five, one piggy at a time
- Gentle bonding and safe, loving touch
- Listening and waiting for the tickle
When your child knows it well, our counting game carry the same early skills into playful practice.
Where This Little Piggy comes from
This Little Piggy is an English toe-rhyme, with its first line printed as far back as 1728. Grown-ups have played it on babies' toes for centuries.
Fun activities
- Play it on your child's toes, then their fingers
- Count the five little piggies together
- Let your child play it back on your hand
Frequently asked questions
What are the words to This Little Piggy?
This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home, this little piggy had roast beef, this little piggy had none, and this little piggy cried, "wee, wee, wee," all the way home.
How do you play This Little Piggy?
Wiggle or gently squeeze one of your baby's toes for each little piggy, then tickle up the foot on the last "wee, wee, wee" line.
What age is This Little Piggy for?
It is perfect for babies and toddlers, because the gentle touch and counting build bonding and early number sense.