Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

When I was a wee nipper my mother taught me a chant that went something like:

1 zot

2 zot

Zicka zotta zan

Ring Tail

Bob Tail

Little tot tan

Maylem

Haylem

Scalem

Buck

I am fairly certain it is a counting thing, 1-10, however that is just a blind guess.   Also I am completely guessing at the spelling. Any insight you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

My mom grew up in the Pacific Northwest and comes from Polish heritage if that helps any.

Thank you for any ideas ~ tzc