The rhyme remains a staple in early childhood education due to its multi-sensory impact: One, Two, Buckle My Shoe - The Good and the Beautiful
is thought to be slang for the heavy, round pillow that supported the lacework. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
may refer to the wooden pins used in lacemaking machines. The rhyme remains a staple in early childhood
likely describes arranging these pins to create patterns. While many people only know the first ten
While many people only know the first ten numbers, the traditional version actually counts up to twenty: Buckle my shoe 3, 4: Shut the door (or "knock at the door") 5, 6: Pick up sticks 7, 8: Lay them straight 9, 10: A big fat hen 11, 12: Dig and delve 13, 14: Maids a-courting 15, 16: Maids in the kitchen 17, 18: Maids in waiting 19, 20: My plate’s empty (or "my stomach's empty") Historical Origins & Meanings