Lakdi Ki Kathi

A wooden horse sets off

In this lively Hindi rhyme, a child imagines a horse made from wood. The horse has a saddle and carries three riders. When someone taps its tail with a little hammer, the horse runs off quickly, lifting its tail as it goes. The riders hold on while the wooden horse races along. The repeated sounds make the rhyme easy to join in with, and children can pretend to ride as they say the words. The story is playful rather than a real account of riding. Lesson: Imagination can turn an ordinary toy into an exciting adventure.

Read, listen and talk together

Read the short text slowly, then say the familiar refrain with a steady beat. Pause when the horse starts running and let your child add a sound or movement. Ask, "What is the horse made of?", "How many riders are there?" and "How do you think they feel?" Point to each picture as you retell the events in order. Younger children can answer with one word or point. Older preschoolers can describe the beginning, middle and end in their own words. For another gentle rhyme session, try Nursery Rhymes for Kids.

Playful activities after the rhyme

Invite your child to colour the wooden horse, riders and simple background details. Count the riders together and circle the group with three objects. Cut out large picture cards and help your child place them in story order, from the horse waiting to the horse running away. Tap a wooden spoon softly as a pretend hammer, then march around the room to the rhyme's beat. Children who are ready can copy the Hindi title, trace curved lines for the horse's tail or draw a toy they would like to ride.