“The Ants Go Marching” is a fun and easy rhyme that helps little ones count. The tune of the melody is based on the American Civil War song “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”.
“The Ants Go Marching” Gesture Play
When sung in larger groups such as kindergartens or camps, the lyrics are often accompanied by actions that can be performed alongside.
During the first verse, children will march on the spot while holding up as many fingers as the number of ants that go marching. When the ant stops marching the children will stop marching as well and place the finger(s) in front of them. When the ants go down, children will bend their knees and get smaller. During the last verse, children will jump and sing “boom boom boom” loudly.
“The Ants Go Marching” Lyrics
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah.
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah.
The ants go marching one by one,
The little one stops to suck his thumb.
And they all go marching down,
To the ground, to get out of the rain.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
…two…tie her shoe…
…three….climb a tree…
…four…shut the door…
…five…take a dive…
…six…pick up sticks…
…seven…pray to heaven…
…eight…check the gate…
…nine…check the time…
…ten…say “The End!”