Ten in the Bed: questions to ask and activities to try
There were ten in the bed and the little one said, “Roll over!” Ten in the Bed is a warm, funny version of the bedtime counting rhyme.
What age is it for? Ten in the Bed is best for ages 1–5. Good for: Counting down at bedtime.
Sing it and count down on your fingers. The ending, with everyone back together, is a cosy way to finish before sleep.
What it helps with
- Counting down from ten
- Joining in with a song
- Settling at bedtime
- Wanting company at night
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “How many were in the bed at the start?”
- “What did the little one say?”
- “Who fell out first?”
- “Why did the little one feel lonely?”
- “How many toys do you sleep with?”
- “Can you count back from ten?”
5-minute activities to try together
Toy bed
Line up ten toys on a bed and roll them out one at a time as you sing.
Finger count
Count down from ten on your fingers, folding one down for each verse.
Free printables: Ten in the Bed worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Maisy Goes to Bed (Lucy Cousins)
- Best for
- Getting ready for bed, step by step
- Age
- 1-4
Goodnight Moon (Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd)
- Best for
- Winding down at bedtime, and settling to sleep
- Age
- 0-4
Peace at Last (Jill Murphy)
- Best for
- Bedtime, and staying patient when things keep going wrong
- Age
- 2-5
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.