Gesture-play songs – Nursery Rhymes

Skidamarink

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 21:06:55 +0000

Skidamarink is an evergreen song popular with preschoolers and elementary school children alike.

The origin of this popular sing-along song dates back to 1910, when it was written for a Broadway production called “The Echo,” written by Felix F. Feist and Charles Newman, and composed by Al Piantadosi. The song was initially titled “Skid-dy-mer-rink-adink-aboomp,” but has since become popularly known as “Skidamarink”.

One of the reasons for Skidamarink’s popularity lies in its simplicity. The melody is catchy and easy to learn, and the lyrics are repetitive, making it perfect for young children developing their language and memory skills. Additionally, the song often incorporates simple hand gestures and movements, such as touching the nose and heart or making circles with the arms, which adds a fun, interactive element that kids love.

Skidamarink Lyrics

Skidamarink a-dink a-dink
Skidamarink a-doo
I love you
Skidamarink a-dink a-dink
Skidamarink a-doo
I love you
I love you in the morning
And in the afternoon
I love you in the evening
And underneath the moon
Skidamarink a-dink a-dink
Skidamarink a-doo
I love you
Skidamarink a-dink a-dink
Skidamarink a-doo
I love you
Skidamarink a-dink a-dink
Skidamarink a-doo
I love you
I love you in the morning
And in the afternoon
I love you in the evening
And underneath the moon

Original Lyrics From 1910

Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 06:59:00 +0000

“Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me” is a famous American folk song and nursery rhyme that dates back to the mid-1800s. It is a playful and simple song that was originally played as a minstrel song, a form of racist theatrical play that depicted black people. Most actors were white and wearing blackface.

Despite its controversial origins, Shoo Fly is very popular among children and adults, featured in many movies and cartoons, including Pixar’s A Bug’s Life.

The lyrics are simple and repetitive, making it easy for children to sing and memorize. The song is usually often accompanied by clapping or hand motions, sung in a playful and lighthearted manner,

Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me Lyrics

Shoo fly, don’t bother me,
Shoo fly, don’t bother me,
Shoo fly, don’t bother me,
For I belong to somebody.
I feel, I feel,
I feel like a morning star.
I feel, I feel,
I feel like a morning star.
Shoo fly, don’t bother me,
Shoo fly, don’t bother me,
Shoo fly, don’t bother me,
For I belong to somebody.

Stella Ella Ola

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 06:52:39 +0000

Stella Ella Ola, often known as Quack Dilly Oso, is a children’s game involving chanting a simple rhyme while performing hand motions in a circle with friends. Stella Ella Ola is one of the most popular clapping games in the United States, along with Miss Mary Mack.

Stella Ella Ola Game:

Here’s how the game and rhyme go:

Players stand in a circle and hold hands. One person is chosen to be the leader and starts the chant by saying the lyrics:

Stella Ella Ola,
Clap, clap, clap.
The group responds:
Stella Ella Ola,
Clap, clap, clap.
The leader continues:
Oopsy, oopsy, bow wow wow,
Oopsy, oopsy, bow wow wow.
The group responds:
Oopsy, oopsy, bow wow wow,
Oopsy, oopsy, bow wow wow.

The leader then chooses a person in the circle to say the following line and perform the accompanying hand motion. The chosen person says:

My mother told me,
If I was goody,
That she would buy me,
A rubber dolly.

The chosen person then chooses the next person in the circle to say the following line, perform the next hand motion, and so on. Each person adds a new line and hand motion, building on the previous ones. The hand motions usually involve clapping, slapping one’s thighs, and pointing to different parts of the circle.

The game continues until everyone has had a turn and the rhyme has been completed. The game is often played for fun and entertainment and is a popular activity for children at parties or gatherings.

Stella Ella Ola Lyrics

Stella Ella Ola,
Clap, clap, clap
Singing es, chico, chico
Chico, chico, clap, clap
Es chico, chico
Baloney, baloney
Cheese and macaroni
Fire 1, 2, 3, 4, 5!

Stella Ella Ola Alternative Lyrics

Quack dilly oso,
Quack quack quack
Señorita,
rita rita rita,
flora, flora,
flora flora flora,
1, 2, 3, 4!

The Lady with the Alligator Purse

All Nursery Rhymes — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:32:22 +0000

The Lady with the Alligator Purse has been a popular song in America for many years, with most children being able to recite the lines of the song with ease. The song tells us the tale of Miss Lucy who has a child that wants to eat everything and who the doctor can’t cure. Enter the lady with the alligator purse who offers some sage advice about feeding the child a pizza and the problem is solved!

This rhyme is most often used as part of a clapping game in the classroom that helps children to start understanding the basics of rhyme but it has also been used in skipping rope games too. There is also a ruder version of the song that is popular with children when they are not being supervised by adults.

The tune of the rhyme is the same as the Merry Go Round Broke Down which was used for the Looney Tunes theme tune!

The Lady with the Alligator Purse Lyrics

Miss Lucy had a baby, his name was Tiny Tim
She put him in the bathtub to see if he could swim
He drank up all the water, he ate up all the soap
He tried to eat the bathtub but it wouldn’t go down his throat
Miss Lucy called the doctor, Miss Lucy called the nurse
Miss Lucy called the lady with the alligator purse
In came the doctor, in came the nurse.
In came the lady with the alligator purse
“Chicken pox,” said the doctor, “Measles,” said the nurse
“Nonsense,” said the lady with the alligator purse
“Penicillin,” said the doctor, “Castor oil,” said the nurse
“Pizza,” said the lady with alligator purse

Concentration 64

All Nursery Rhymes — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 09:47:26 +0000

Concentration 64 is a fast-paced clapping game that is often played by children in the playground. However, the structure means that it can also be adapted for use as a learning activity or to spark discussion. As well as being known as Concentration 64, it can also be sung as Concentration 54.

The rhyme is simple and sets out the rules of the game which is for each player to be able to name items in the chosen category with no repetition or hesitation. If the players are too slow in naming an item in the category that hasn’t been saying before, they lose! Once someone has lost, you simply choose a new person to recite the rhyme and choose a brand-new category.

The origins of the rhyme aren’t known but it has been played in schools for many years as well as being enjoyed in community groups and extra-curricular groups across the world.

Concentration 64 Lyrics

Concentration (3x clap)
Sixty-four (3x clap)
No repeats (3x clap)
Or hesitations (3x clap)
I’ll go first (3x clap)
You’ll go last (3x clap)
Category is: (3x clap)

After these introductory lyrics kids choose a category such as Animals, Names, Countries etc.
After the category is named all kids will start naming things in the given category.

Playmate, Come Out And Play With Me

All Nursery Rhymes — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 08:05:19 +0000

Oh, Playmate, Come Out And Play With Me also known as Say, Say, Oh, Playmate is a song that dates back to the early 20th century, probably written sometime between 1904 and 1906 by Charles Leslie Johnson when he published a song titled Lola. Somewhere along the way, a songwriter and singer known as Saxie Dowell paired an old Victorian rhythm with Leslie’s song to create the masterpiece that we now know today as Say, Say, Oh, Playmate.

Over the years, there have been some musicians and producers who have since tried to spice the music up to create different renditions of the song but the tune and the lyrics are the same most of the time.

As with other songs from that time such as Miss Mary Mack, Oh, Playmate is also popular as a clapping game is also often paired with the song where the children could touch their hands back and forth with their partners while they sang the lyrics of the song. Towards the end, one child tells the other they cannot join them to play for one reason or another. However, they remind them that they will remain friends, even though they cannot come out to play immediately.

Playmate, Come Out And Play With Me

Hey, hey, oh playmate,
Come out and play with me
And bring your dollies three
Climb up my apple tree

Slide down my rain barrel
Into my cellar door
And we’ll be jolly friends
Forever more, more, more.

So sorry, playmate
I cannot play with you
My dolly’s got the flu
Boo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo

Ain’t got no rain barrel
Ain’t got no cellar door
But we’ll be jolly friends
Forever more, more, more.

If All The Raindrops

All Nursery Rhymes — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 07:50:22 +0000

If A

If All The Raindrops is a song that first appeared in the eighth season, twelfth episode of Barney Goes To School, on the 15^th August 1990. Initially the song was shorter, but the producers of the show later added a third stanza which is a reprise of the first paragraph. If All The Raindrops has a whimsical feel keeping in mind that sweets and lemon drops couldn’t possibly fall from the sky. However, pretend play is integral to a child’s psyche and development. This rhyme taps into the parts of the brain responsible for imagination making the child dream of a world where it rains tasty treats!

Few modern kids songs are this new, it is very rare that a song this recent is passed down orally by kids and parents, thus If All The Raindrops is part of a select few songs that include The Rubber Duckie Song from Sesame Street among others.

As the children sing this lovely song, they will often take actions in sync with the words. For instance, they can sprinkle their fingers to symbolize the rain and falling snowflakes.

They will hold their arms up and out to accompany the line “Oh what a world it could be!”. It depicts bewilderment and astonishment at having gumdrops and candy bars falling out of the sky. The children also lift their hands and make big circles to symbolize the sunbeams warming the ground.

If All The Raindrops

If all the raindrops
Were lemon drops and gumdrops
So what a rain that would be

Standing outside with my mouth open wide
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

If all the raindrops
Were lemon drops and gumdrops
Oh, what a rain that would be

I can get working
Oh, look at that
He, hope he gets everybody
Oh, come on

If all the snowflakes
Were candy bars and milkshakes
Oh, what a snow that would be

Standing outside with my mouth open wide
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

If all the snowflakes
Were candy bars and milkshakes
Oh, what a snow that would be

Yum, this is more milky
Yeah

If all the raindrops
Were lemon drops and gumdrops
Oh, what a rain that would be
Everybody

Standing outside with my mouth open wide
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

If all the raindrops
Were lemon drops and gumdrops
Oh, what a rain that would be

I’d be outside all day, me too

Lemonade, Crunchy Ice

All Nursery Rhymes — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 21:16:51 +0000

Lemonade Crunchy Ice isn’t as old as many of the other popular nursery rhymes and clapping songs, as it’s been around since the 1980s only.

How To Play Lemonade, Crunchy Ice Game

A fairly simple rhyme, it can be either used as a hand game with others or sung out loud. At the end of the song, the participants have to turn around, touch the ground, and then freeze in a pose. The first person to move loses.

The clapping game can either be done as a pair, or more children can do it together, sitting in a circle and clapping with their partner on either side. This is a lot more challenging as it’s quite tricky to clap with a different person to both the left and the right!

Slight wording variations can be found in different cities, but the chant remains the same overall. Today, this fun hand-clapping game is popular in America but across Asia too.

Lemonade, Crunchy Ice Lyrics

See below the lyrics of the Lemonade, Crunchy Ice hand game

Lemonade (Up Down Clap)
(Triple Clap)
Crunchy ice (Up Down Clap)
(Triple Clap)
Sip it once (Up Down Clap)
(Triple Clap)
Sip it twice (Up Down Clap)
(Triple Clap)
Lemonade (Up Down Clap)
Crunchy Ice (Up Down Clap)
Made it once (Up Down Clap)
Made it twice (Up Down Clap)
Turn around (Turn around)
Touch the ground (Touch the ground)
Push your brother out of town!
And stomp! (Jump)

Hurry, Hurry, Drive the Fire Truck

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 11:02:34 +0000

Hurry, Hurry, Drive the Fire Truck is a fun action song that can be played with kids of all ages. Each verse is accompanied by a certain movement such as hands placed on an imaginary steering wheel during the first verse, bell ringing during “ding ding ding”, leaning motions during turning, climbing imaginary ladders, and spraying a hose in the end. The tempo of the song can also be changed as kids can progressively move faster and faster until the last lines when they will slowly move back by leaning left and right.

“Hurry, Hurry, Drive the Fire Truck” Lyrics

Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Hurry, hurry, turn the corner
Hurry, hurry, turn the corner
Hurry, hurry, turn the corner
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Hurry, hurry, climb the ladder
Hurry, hurry, climb the ladder
Hurry, hurry, climb the ladder
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Hurry, hurry, squirt the water
Hurry, hurry, squirt the water
Hurry, hurry, squirt the water
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Slowly, slowly, back to the station
Slowly, slowly, back to the station
Slowly, slowly, back to the station
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Tooty Ta

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 10:54:13 +0000

Generally, tracing the origins of a children’s song is quite difficult but it is not the case with Tooty Ta! The Tooty Ta song was written by Jack Hartmann and it came out in 2015. It is sometimes also known as the “Thumbs up, Elbows Back” song.

It is a classic follow the leader song with gibberish words that will make kids laugh and silly movements that are perfect as a warmup.

“Tooty Ta” Lyrics

CHORUS: A tooty-ta, a tooty-ta, a tooty ta-ta!
A tooty-ta, a tooty-ta, a tooty ta-ta!
Thumbs up CHORUS
Thumbs up, Elbows back CHORUS
Thumbs up, Elbows back, Knees together CHORUS
Thumbs up, Elbows back, Knees together, Feet apart CHORUS
Thumbs up, Elbows back, Knees together, Feet apart, Bottoms up CHORUS
Thumbs up, Elbows back, Knees together, Feet apart, Bottoms up, Head back CHORUS
Thumbs up, Elbows back, Knees together, Feet apart, Bottoms up, Head back, Tongue out, CHORUS

Where is Thumbkin

All Nursery Rhymes — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 08:15:12 +0000

Where is Thumbkin is one of the most popular finger plays. Although its origins are unclear, earlier versions of the song were sung in the early 20th century. The song was popularized by Barney from the PBS series Barney & Friends.

The song is set to the tune of the popular French nursery rhyme “Frere Jacques” or its English version “Are you sleeping, Brother John”.

The song is very easy to learn as each stanza is very similar to the first one, the only difference is the name of the fingers (thumbkin, pointer, tallman, ringman, baby).

Where is Thumbkin Lyrics

Where is thumbkin?
Where is thumbkin?
Here I am.
Here I am.
How are you today sir?
Very well I thank you.
Run away. Run away.

Where is pointer? Where is pointer?
Here I am.
Here I am.
How are you today sir?
Very well I thank you.
Run away. Run away.

Where is tallman? Where is tallman?
Here I am.
Here I am.
How are you today sir?
Very well I thank you.
Run away. Run away.

Where is ringman? Where is ringman?
Here I am.
Here I am.
How are you today sir?
Very well I thank you.
Run away. Run away.

Where is baby? Where is baby?
Here I am.
Here I am. How are you today sir?
Very well I thank you.
Run away. Run away.

Where’s the whole family? Where’s the whole family?
Here we are.
Here we are. How are you today sir?
Very well we thank you.
Run away. Run away.

Baby BumbleBee

All Nursery Rhymes — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 10:59:05 +0000

Baby BumbleBee is a traditional nursery rhyme and a gesture-play song, sharing the same tune with “The Arkansas Traveler” written in 1947 by the Arkansas State Song Selection Committee, the state song. There are several other songs associated with this tune.

There is a different version of Baby BumbleBee more popular in Australia. There is a mimic action associated with lyrics of each version.

Baby BumbleBee Lyrics

I’m bringing home a baby bumblebee,
Won’t my mommy be so proud of me,
I’m bringing home a baby bumblebee,
Ouch! He stung me!

I’m squishing up a baby bumblebee,
Won’t my mommy be so proud of me,
I’m squishing up a baby bumblebee,
Eww! He’s gooey!

I’m lickin’ up a baby bumble bee
Won’t my Mommy be so proud of me
I’m lickin’ up my baby bumble bee
Mmm! He’s yummy!

Baby BumbleBee Game

On the first line hold your hand together like keeping something small, and open up your hand as you say “Ouch!”.
On the verse “I’m squishing up a baby bumblebee” mimic rubbings your hands as squishing something, then when saying “Eww!” mimic a disgusted face by sticking out your tongue.
Pretend your licking you hands on “I’m lickin’ up a baby bumble bee” and on the last line rub your tommy saying “Mmm! He’s yummy!”

Baby BumbleBee Australian Version

I’ve got myself a baby bumblebee,
Won’t my mummy be so proud of me?
I’ve got myself a baby bumblebee,
Ouch! He stung me!

I’m squashing up my baby bumblebee,
Won’t my mummy be so proud of me?
I’m squashing up my baby bumblebee,
Oh no, it’s all over my hands!

I’m lickin’ up my baby bumble bee
Won’t my mummy be so proud of me?
I’m lickin’ up my baby bumble bee
Oh no, I feel sick…

I’m throwing up my baby bumble bee,
Won’t my mummy be so proud of me?
I’m throwing up my baby bumble bee,
Oh no, it’s all over the floor!*

I’m mopping up my baby bumble bee,
Won’t my mummy be so proud of me?
I’m mopping up my baby bumble bee,
Oh look! A butterfly!

Baby BumbleBee Game for Australian Version

On the first verse mimic holding something small in your hands
On the second verse rub your hands together like squashing something
On the third verse mimic licking your hands.
On the fourth verse mimic throwing up.
And, on the fifth verse pretend to mop the floor.

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 13:06:11 +0000

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is a popular nursery rhyme and educational picture book for kids composed and performed by English children’s author Michael Rosen.

Going on a Bear Hunt lyrics illustrate the adventures and lessons learned of four children, a baby sister and their dog as they go on a bear hunt. Each action of the rhyme is accompanied by mimic and gesture-play.

Below are the lyrics and the song interpreted by Michael Rosen.

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Lyrics

We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
I’m not scared
What a beautiful day!
Oh look! It’s some long, wavy grass!
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go around it,
Got to go through it!

We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
I’m not scared
What a beautiful day!
Oh look! It’s a mushroom patch.
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go around it,
Got to go through it!

We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
I’m not scared
What a beautiful day!
Oh look! It’s a wide river.
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go through it,
Got to swim across it.

We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
I’m not scared
What a beautiful day!
Oh look! A deep, dark cave.
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go through it,
Got to go in it.

Uh, oh! It’s dark in here.
I feel something,
It has lots of hair!
It has sharp teeth!
It’s a bear!

Hurry back through the river,
Back through the mushroom patch,
Back through the long grass
Run in the house and lock the door.
Phew! That was close!

I’m not afraid!

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Song

by Michael Rosen

Down Down Baby

All Nursery Rhymes — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 21:51:53 +0000

Down Down Baby is a children’s song and a clapping game. It is a very simple game that can be played by either two or more players.

The origins of Down Down Baby are unclear but in the 1960s Little Anthony and the Imperials recorded Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko Bop. Since then the song has been adapted by many artists such as Nelly, Simian Mobile Disco or Usher.

As with all clapping games, there are many variations both in the lyrics of the rhyme and in the way it is played. Below you can find the most common versions. Watch de video instruction below the lyrics.

“Down Down Baby” Lyrics

Down, down, baby
Down by the roller coaster
Sweet, sweet, baby
I’ll never let you go
Shimmy, Shimmy Ko Ko Bop
Shimmy Shimmy Pow
Shimmy, Shimmy Ko Ko Bop
Shimmy Shimmy Pow

“Down Down Baby” Alternate lyrics

Down down baby, down by the roller coaster
Sweet, sweet baby, I’ll never let you go,
Shimmy, shimmy cocoa pops,
Shimmy shimmy pow!
Shimmy, shimmy cocoa pops,
Shimmy shimmy pow!

Grandma grandma, sick in bed,
Called the doctor and the doctor said;
Let’s get the rhythm of the head – ding dong!
Let’s get the rhythm of the head – ding dong!
Let’s get the rhythm of the hands – clap, clap!
Let’s get the rhythm of the hands – clap, clap!
Let’s get the rhythm of the feet – stomp, stomp!
Let’s get the rhythm of the feet – stomp, stomp!
Let’s get the rhythm of the – hot dog
Let’s get the rhythm of the – hot dog!

Put it all together and what do you get?
Ding dong, clap clap, stomp stomp, hot dog!
Put it all backward and what do you get?
Hot dog, stomp stomp, clap clap, ding dong!

Down Down Baby Video

Clapping Game Instruction

The Ants Go Marching

All Nursery Rhymes — Sat, 24 Oct 2020 20:35:15 +0000

“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!”

Miss Susie Had a Steamboat

All Nursery Rhymes — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 08:42:36 +0000

“Miss Susie had a steamboat” (or Lucy, Mary and other names) is an old jump-rope song.
Nowadays the song is more widely associated with a clapping game.

It shares its tune with another popular jump rope song called “Miss Lucy had a baby”, that’s why they are very often confused with each other.

In “Miss Susie had a steamboat” each verse insinuates an inappropriate word or situation that will be revealed in the next sentence, but which will be replaced by an innocent expression. Thus the lyrics were subjected to many improvisations and different versions appeared over time.

“Miss Susie had a steamboat” Lyrics

Miss Susie had a steamboat,
The steamboat had a bell,
Miss Susie went to heaven,
The steamboat went to…

Hello Operator,
Please dial Number 9,
And if you disconnect me,
I’ll kick you from…

Behind the ‘frigerator,
There lay a piece of glass,
Miss Susie sat upon it,
And cut her little…

Ask me no more questions,
Tell me no more lies,
The boys are in the bathroom,
Pulling down their…

Flies are in the backyard,
The bees are in the park,
Miss Susie and her boyfriend are kissing
In the dark, dark dark

Miss Lucy had a steam boat

Version 2

Miss Lucy had a steam boat,
The steam boat had a bell, (Toot! Toot!)
Miss Lucy went to heaven,
And the steam boat went to
Hello operator, give me #9 and,
If you disconnect me, I will chop off your
Behind the refrigerator, there was a piece of glass,
Miss Lucy sat upon it, and broke her big fat
Ask me no more questions, tell me no more lies
The boys are in the bathroom, pulling down their
Flies are in the country, bees are in their hives
Miss Lucy and her boy friend
Are kissing in the D-A-R-K (spell out)
D-A-R-K
D-A-R-K
Dark! Dark! Dark!

“Mary had a steamboat”

Version 3

Mary had a steamboat
The steamboat had a bell
Mary went to Heaven
And the steamboat went Toot Toot

Little Robin Redbreast

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:14:01 +0000

Little Robin Redbreast is an old traditional rhyme that first appeared in the first ever anthology of nursery rhyme named “Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book” published around 1744.

Another different version of Little Robin Redbreast appeared in the 1833 version of “The Only True Mother Goose Melodies”.

Original Version

The first published version was shorter:

Little Robin Red breast,
Sitting on a pole,
Nidde, Noddle, Went his head.
And poop went his Hole.

Today a slightly different version of the original song is used as a fingerplay.

“Little Robin Redbreast “Fingerplay

The rhyme has been used as a fingerplay for a very long time, the first instructions were published in a book from 1920 called “Boys and Girls Bookshelf; a Practical Plan of Character Building:
Little Robin Redbreast
Sat upon a rail,
(Right hand extended in shape of a bird is poised on extended forefinger of left hand.)
Niddle noddle went his head,
And waggle went his tail.
(Little finger of right hand waggles from side to side.)

“Little Robin Redbreast “Lyrics

Little Robin Redbreast sat upon a tree,
Up went pussycat and down went he,
Down came pussycat, away Robin ran,
Says little Robin Redbreast, “Catch me if you can.”

Little Robin Redbreast jumped upon a wall,
Pussycat jumped after him, and almost had a fall.
Little Robin chirped and sang and what did pussy say?
Pussycat said “Meow”, and Robin flew away.

Here are the Lady’s Knives and Forks

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:04:38 +0000

Here are the Lady’s Knives and Forks also sometimes known as Here are Mother’s Knives and Forks is a short song with a fingerplay associated to it. The tune of the song is very similar to the more popular Pop Goes the Weasel.

“Here are the Lady’s Knives and Forks” Fingerplay

Each instruction corresponds to one line from the rhyme:

Fingers should be interlaced like knives and forks.
Palms should be facing down forming a table.
With fingers kept interlaced, the palms should be turned towards you as in looking into a mirror.
Interlaced hands should be put up and a rocked back and forth to simulate the motion of a cradle.

“Here are the Lady’s Knives and Forks”Lyrics

Here are the lady’s knives and forks,
Here is the lady’s table,
Here is the lady’s looking-glass,
And here is the baby’s cradle.

A Sailor Went To Sea Sea Sea

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 15:50:46 +0000

A Sailor Went to Sea Sea Sea is a rhyme that children love to sing and play to. Each line has to be sung faster, thus making it more difficult to sing. Children clap along this song rhythmically, progressively faster.

“A Sailor Went To Sea Sea Sea”Lyrics

A sailor went to sea, sea, sea,
To see what he could see, see, see.
But all that he could see, see, see,
Was the bottom of the deep blue sea, sea, sea.

Way Up High in the Apple Tree

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 14:44:04 +0000

Way Up High in the Apple Tree is a rhyme that has a fingerplay associated with it. The second line can be changed with any number instead of “two” and the song can be repeated, each time with one less apple smiling, it can be used as a counting-out rhyme as well.

Fingerplay Instructions

Each action below coresponds to one line of the song:

Raise arms high above your head
Rub your hands on your cheeks
Shake your body or pretend shaking a tree
Make a downword motion with both hands
Rub your belly.

“Way Up High in the Apple Tree” Lyrics

Way up high in the apple tree,
Two red apples smiled at me.
I shook that tree as hard as I could,
Dooowwwwwwwn came an apple,
Mmmm, it was good!

Zoom Zoom, We’re Going to the Moon

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 15:18:11 +0000

Zoom Zoom is a fun song that is popular among preschoolers. It is also associated with a fun action game.

Game Instructions

Whenever the “zoom, zoom, zoom” part starts, hands are rubbed together while rocking them up in the air.

Next, players will pretend walking with their fingers while singing “If you want to take a trip, Climb abord my rocking ship”.

During the countdown, players will hold 5 fingers up and count down. “Blast Off!” is usually sang louder and kids may jump or start running.

“Zoom Zoom, We’re Going to the Moon” Lyrics

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom
We’re going to the moon.
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom
We’re going to the moon.
If you want to take a trip,
Climb aboard my rocket ship.
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom
We’re going to the moon.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1,
Blast off!

Miss Mary Mack

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 15:10:14 +0000

Miss Mary Mack is one of the most popular clapping game. It is first found in written form in the United States in 1888. Although the song is American, even mentioning the 4th of July, it is very popular throughout the English speaking world.

Who is Mary Mack

Little is known about who Mary Mack was but given its geographical origin, it is believed that Mary Mack was referred to the warship USS Merrimack named after the Merrimack River. The theory might be true as the Merrimack’s color was black with silver rivets.

Miss Mary Mack Game

The clapping game is played by two persons standing or sitting opposite each other while clapping their hands rhythmically.

The game starts with the hands positioned together facing your partner. Next, cross your hands and put them on your chest (left hand on your right shoulder and vice versa). The person facing you should do the same. This is the time you should start singing the first word of the song.

Next, while saying the second syllable, place your hands on your hips. While continuing the song, place both hands together again in the starting position.

The fourth move will be the first one where you will meet your partner’s hands but it will not be a straight clap but one done diagonally (your right hand meets your partner’s right hand) while singing the next syllable of the song. Then the two left hands meet diagonally and finally the two hands meet each other. Repeat the process with each line of the song.

“Miss Mary Mack” Lyrics

Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack
All dressed in black, black, black
With silver buttons, buttons, buttons
All down her back, back, back. (or “Up and down her back back back”)
She asked her mother, mother, mother
for fifty (or 15) cents, cents, cents
To see the elephants, elephants, elephants (or hippos or cows)
Jump the fence, fence, fence.
They jumped so high, high, high
they reached the sky, sky, sky
And didn’t (or never) come back, back, back
Till the 4th of July ly ly.
She asked her mother, mother, mother
For 5 cents more, more, more
To see the elephants, elephants, elephants
Jump the door, door, door.
They jumped to the flow flow flow
they stubbed their toe toe toe
and that was the end end end
of the elephant show show show.

Hokey Cokey

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:07:48 +0000

Hokey Cokey is a very popular children’s dance song. It rose to popularity during the 1940s when it was recorded simultaneously in the UK by Jimmy Kennedy (The Hokey Cokey) in 1942 and in the United States by Robert Degan and Joe Brier (The Hokey Pokey Dance).

The song was also recorded by the Ram Trio in 1950 and by Ray Anthony’s orchestra in 1953, a version that charted in the USA.

The origins of the song can be traced back to the 19th century, it was first mentioned in Robert Chamber’s “Popular Rhymes of Scotland” in 1826. That version was very different from the contemporary one:

Fal de ral la, fal de ral la:
Hinkumbooby, round about;
Right hands in, and left hands out,
Hinkumbooby, round about;
Fal de ral la, fal de ral la
In 1872 a version called “Ugly Mug” was published:
I put my right hand in
I put my right hand out
I give my right hand, shake, shake, shake, and turn myself about

The song and dance moves vary between the United States and the United Kingdom. The UK version is slightly more popular wordlwide.

Dance Moves

In the first four verses the body part is moved according to the lyrics. On “You do the Hokey Cokey” each player joins their hands and rocks them side to side. On “And you turn around” players turn around clockwise with the hands still joined together.

During the chorus, during each “Whoa” that lasts three beats, players raise their joined hands and move towards the centre of the circle and on “the hokey cokey” or often “the hokey cokey cokey” they move outwards to their original positions.

On the last two verses, players will bend their knees and raise their arms then on “rah rah rah” they will raise their hands and clap them. In some areas, players will run towards the centre with their hands up.

Is it Hokey Cokey or Hokey Pokey?

Generally in the United Kingdom or Jamaica, the song is called Hokey Cokey and in the USA, Canada and Australia it is called Hokey Pokey. The first modern version of the song from 1942 by Jimmy Kennedy was called “The Cokey Cokey” while the first modern US version from 1944 was called “The Hokey Pokey”.

Why is it Called Hokey Cokey?

There are no certainties regarding the meaning of “Hokey Cokey” but supposedly the name of the song is derived from the magician’s incantation “Hocus Pocus”

“Hokey Cokey” Lyrics

You put your left arm in,
Your left arm out:
In, out, in, out.
You shake it all about.
You do the hokey cokey,
And you turn around.
That’s what it’s all about!

Chorus:

Whoa, the hokey cokey
Whoa, the hokey cokey
Whoa, the hokey cokey
Knees bend, arms stretch,
Rah, rah, rah!

The “left hand” is changed in subsequent stanzas with “right arm”, “left leg”, “right leg”, “whole self” or any other body part including “left hip”, “right hip”, “left elbow”, “right elbow” etc.

USA version

Both the song and the dance instructions differ slightly in the USA. While the first part of the song is similar, the chorus is different:

You do the hokey pokey,
The hokey pokey,
The hokey pokey.
That’s what it’s all about!

On each “pokey”, the players raise their arms with the index fingers pointed up, shaking their arms up and down and their hips side to side.

One Potato Two Potato

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 10:55:06 +0000

One Potato, Two Potato is a popular counting song for little ones especially in Ireland and the UK.

Game Instructions

Hold your fists in front of you and stack them on top of each other starting with “one potato”, then move the lower fist on top of the upper fist along “two potatoes”. Continue doing this until “seven potatoes”. At the end of the song, when “more” is sung, open both hands vigurously and shout “more”.

“One Potato Two Potato” Lyrics

One potato two potatoes
Three potatoes, four!
Five potatoes, six potatoes
Seven potatoes, more!

Alternative Lyrics

One potato, two potatoes, three potatoes – four
Five potatoes, six potatoes, seven potatoes – more
Eight potatoes, nine potatoes, ten potatoes – all

A Ram Sam Sam

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 10:42:42 +0000

Originally a Moroccan song, A Ram Sam Sam is today a very popular children’s song around the world. Its original lyrics have often been modified.

Most often it is performed as an action songs where children must perform certain actions during the lyrics.

How To Play

There are different actions performed during the lyrics, below we present the two main popular versions.
A ram sam sam – Hands clapping the lap rhytmically to the tune of “ram sam sam”
Guli guli guli guli – Hands are winding around each other repeatedly
A rafiq, a rafiq – both hands move to one side of the head as if sleeping.

Alternatively

A ram sam sam – pound fists on top of each other in turns
Guli guli guli guli – hands are pulled apart as if something is sticky
A rafiq, a rafiq – index fingers are spun on the side of the head as if to signal that someone is crazy
The lyrics are sang repeatedly, often the actions must be performed faster each time.

There is not much meaning to the lyrics, even in the original Moroccan dialect of Arabic, “A ram sam sam” means nothing. However, “guli” means “tell me” while “a rafiq” means “friend”. The lyrics were often distorted, sometimes “a rafiq” may sound like “agapee” or “arami” while “a ram sam sam” is sometimes sang as “a ram sa sa” or “a ram zam zam”.

“A Ram Sam Sam” Lyrics

A ram sam sam, a ram sam sam
Guli guli guli guli guli ram sam sam
A ram sam sam, a ram sam sam
Guli guli guli guli guli ram sam sam
A rafiq, a rafiq
Guli guli guli guli guli ram sam sam
A rafiq, a rafiq
Guli guli guli guli guli ram sam sam

Miss Polly Had a Dolly

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 15:18:12 +0000

Miss Polly Had a Dolly is a popular nursery rhyme in the United Kingdom.

Its origins are obscure but most likely dating back to the early 20th century or late 19th century.

The song is a very popular action song too played in classrooms. Kids will do actions based on the lyrics of the song. After the second line (who was sick sick sick) children will pretend to rock a doll close to their chest. When the third line (So she phoned the doctor) is sang, the children will put their hands close to their ears to pretend calling a doctor.

Miss Polly Had a Dolly is often sung by parents when their little ones are sick.

“Miss Polly Had a Dolly”Lyrics

Miss Polly had a dolly who was sick, sick, sick.
So she phoned for the doctor to come quick, quick, quick.
The doctor came with his bag and his hat,
And knocked at the door with a rat-a-tat-tat.

He looked at the dolly and shook his head,
And said “Miss Polly put her straight to bed.
He wrote a paper for a pill, pill, pill.
I’ll be back in the morning with the bill, bill, bill.

Five Little Ducks

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 04:08:38 +0000

Similar with Five little Monkeys or Five Little Speckled Frogs, Five Little Ducks is a popular counting out song.

There is also a finger play associated with the song. At first the parent holds five fingers out, then waves the ducks goodbye (when they swim away), then makes motions signalling a chatter when the duck quacks and finally holds up four fingers when only four ducks come back. The finger play is then repeated for all verses with the appropriate number of fingers.

“Five Little Ducks”Lyrics

Five Little Ducks went out one day, over the hills and far away.
Mother Duck said, “Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack,” but only four little ducks came back.

Four little ducks went out one day, over the hills and far away
Mother Duck said, “Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack,” but only three little ducks came back.

(Repeat counting down to “but no little ducks came back.”)
Sad mother duck went out one day, over the hills and far away
Mother Duck said, “Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack,” and five little ducks came back.

Baby Shark

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 13:27:07 +0000

“Baby Shark” was originally a campfire song. The Baby Shark Song and Dance gained a new audience and massive popularity when German singer Alemuel uploaded a video of “Kleiner Hai”online, a German version of the song that became very popular and charted both in Germany and Austria.

Later, capitalizing on the song’s popularity more versions Baby Shark appeared online in different languages and with slightly different lyrics. The song proved to be very popular with kids and today’s it is one of the most requested songs by many children.

“Baby Shark” Lyrics

Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark!

Mommy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Mommy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Mommy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Mommy shark!

Daddy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Daddy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Daddy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Daddy shark!

Grandma shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Grandma shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Grandma shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Grandma shark!

Grandpa shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Grandpa shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Grandpa shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Grandpa shark!

Let’s all dance, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let’s all dance, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let’s all dance, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let’s all dance!

Let’s all jump, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let’s all jump, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let’s all jump, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let’s all jump!

Let’s have fun, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let’s have fun, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let’s have fun, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let’s have fun!

Let’s all play, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let’s all play, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let’s all play, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Let’s all play!

Wave your arms, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Wave your arms, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Wave your arms, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Wave your arms!

It’s the end, doo doo doo doo doo doo
It’s the end, doo doo doo doo doo doo
It’s the end, doo doo doo doo doo doo
It’s the end!

“Baby Shark Dance” Video

Splash Splash

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 13:15:54 +0000

Splash Splash is a fun song often sung during bathtime or right before it. The lyrics can be expanded too, referencing all body parts while they are being washed.

“Splash Splash” Lyrics

I love to have a bath!
When I Splash I Laugh – Ha ha!
I love to have a bath!
Splash Splash

When Mummy shout’s “It’s Bathtime!”
I get excited and I just can’t hide it.
Bathtime is my funtime!
I can sail away to an unknown island.

I’m the pirate of my ship.
With my crew of rubber ducks!
Bathtime is my funtime!
Splash Splash Splash.
Splash Splash

I love to have a bath!
When I Splash I Laugh – Ha ha!
I love to have a bath!
Splash Splash

Getting clean is so much fun.
I love to watch the water run.
With Bubbles flying everywhere!
On my chin and in my hair.

Splash Splash Splash
Woah! I love it
Splash Splash Splash
Yeahhhhhh

Being in the bath is so much fun!
Are you ready?
Grab the sponge…
It’s time to get clean…

I love to wash my feet
wash my feet, wash my feet
I love to wash my feet
I love to wash my feet.

I love to wash my legs
wash my legs, wash my legs
I love to wash my legs
I love to wash my legs

I love to wash my arms
wash my arms, wash my arms
I love to wash my arms
I love to wash my arms
Splash Splash

I love to have a bath!
When I Splash I Laugh – Ha ha!
I love to have a bath!
Splash Splash

The time has come to wash my hair
Shampoo bubbles everywhere!
It smell’s so sweet – i’m nearly done
Bathtime has been so much fun.

I pull the plug and give a cheer
I watch the water disappear
It feels so good to be so clean.
What a fun time it has been.

“Splash Splash” Video

One Little Finger

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 13:04:27 +0000

One Little Finger is a contemporary song that helps kids learn about their body parts. It is very beloved by kids and it is very educational as it teaches body parts at a slower pace than other songs like “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”.

The song is very easy to remember and it is also very versatile as body parts can be changed or added anytime during the song.

“One Little Finger” Lyrics

One little finger, one little finger, two little fingers.
Tap tap tap.
Point to the ceiling.
Point to the floor.
Put it on your head. Head!

One little finger, one little finger, two little fingers.
Tap tap tap.
Point to the ceiling.
Point to the floor.
Put it on your chest. Chest!

One little finger, one little finger, two little fingers.
Tap tap tap.
Point to the ceiling.
Point to the floor.
Put it on your arm. Arm!

One little finger, one little finger, two little fingers.
Tap tap tap.
Point to the ceiling.
Point to the floor.
Put it on your tummy. Tummy!

One little finger, one little finger, two little fingers.
Tap tap tap.
Point to the ceiling.
Point to the floor.
Put it on your leg. Leg!

One little finger, one little finger, two little fingers.
Tap tap tap.
Point to the ceiling.
Point to the floor.
Put it on your foot. Foot!

One little finger, one little finger, two little fingers.
Tap tap tap.
Point to the ceiling.
Point to the floor.
now lets say goodbye. Byeeee

“One Little Finger” Video

If You’re Happy and You Know It

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 12:55:35 +0000

If You’re Happy and You Know It, also sometimes known as the Happy Song is a popular children’s song first published in the 1950’s in the USA.

There are many version to this song and it can easily be expanded during playtime with additional lyrics if kids enjoy it.

“If You’re Happy and You Know It” Lyrics

The first verses of the lyrics are usually:
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands
(clap clap)
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands
(clap clap)
If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
(clap clap)
The “clap your hands” part is then switched with other phrases like:
snap your fingers!
pat your head!
shout Hooray!
nod your head!
turn around!
slap your knees!
etc

“If You’re Happy and You Know It” Video

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

All Nursery Rhymes — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 11:02:39 +0000

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes is a very easy and popular children’s song. Popular all around the world as far back as the 1950’s, its origin remains unknown.

The song is very often accompanied by dances or motions, kids are encouraged to touch their body parts in accordance to the song lyrics.

The song is very easy to memorize as there are only two verses.

“Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” Lyrics

Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
And eyes and, ears and, mouth and nose.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.

“Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” Video

Clap Hands

All Nursery Rhymes — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 15:56:26 +0000

“Clap Hands” rhyme has many different variations but all start with the words ‘clap hands’.

It’s used as a way of entertaining young children by taking hold of their hands and clapping them together while reciting the rhyme.

“Clap Hands” Lyrics” Lyrics

Clap hands, clap hands,
Till father comes home,
For fathers got money,
But mothers got none.

Wind the Bobbin Up

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 12:25:02 +0000

“Wind the Bobbin Up” is a nursery rhyme and one of the favorites singing games and gesture-play songs for children, dating back to the late 19th century, England.

Besides the fact that “Wind the Bobbin Up” is an entertaining song and game it is also an educational tool to develop the vocabulary of younger children.

The object of the game is to identify some items and mimick some actions, that are told in each verse of the rhyme. For younger children you can play the game together with them, by holding their hands and mimic the actions together.

“Wind the Bobbin Up” Lyrics

Wind the bobbin up,
Wind the bobbin up,
Pull, pull, clap, clap, clap.
Wind it back again,
Wind it back again,
Pull, pull, clap, clap, clap,
Point to the ceiling,
Point to the floor,
Point to the window,
Point to the door,
Clap your hands together, 1, 2, 3,
Do a roly-poly, put your hands upon your knee.

Two Little Dickie Birds

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 12:05:11 +0000

“Two Little Dickie Birds” is a traditional nursery rhyme and finger-play for children, dating back to the 18th century.

It was first published in London in the collection called “Mother Goose’s Melody” from 1765. There are no recorded evidences about the exact origin of the song. In its today’s form which dates back to the 19th century the lyrics have been slightly modified and the names of the birds have been replaced from Jack and Gill to Paul and Peter, the apostles.

“Two Little Dickie Birds” Finger-play

How to play:

It is played by an adult who is playing with both of his index fingers, pointing them so the child can see it well. One hand is for Peter, and one hand is for Paul.

At the line: “Two little dickie birds, Sitting on a wall” both hands are exposed to the child, alternatively playing with the index finger (while hiding the rest of the fingers).

At the next two lines, “One named Peter” and “One named Paul” only one finger will be moving, to attract the attention: first Peter’s hand and second Paul’s hand.

To the next lines: “Fly away Peter!” and “Fly away Paul!” your hands will fly one by one, hiding to the back and then they will come back with the next words: “Come Back Peter!” and “Come Back Paul!” again one by one.

“Two Little Dickie Birds” Lyrics

Two little dickie birds, Sitting on a wall;
One named Peter,
One named Paul.
Fly away Peter!
Fly away Paul!
Come Back Peter!
Come Back Paul!

This Little Piggy

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 11:39:51 +0000

“This Little Piggy” is a traditional nursery rhyme and a beloved finger-play for children.

It dates back to 18th century and the full version was first published in 1760 in” The Famous Tommy Thumb’s Little Story-Book”. The “This little piggy went to market” line was recorded before in an older nursery rhymes collection from 1728.

“This Little Piggy” finger-play

Each line of the rhyme is sung while pointing out one children’s toe, starting with the thumb toe to the pinky toe. It usually ends by tickling the foot on the line: “wee wee wee all the way home”.

“This Little Piggy” Lyrics

This little piggy went to the market,
This little piggy stayed home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none,
And this little piggy cried wee wee wee all the way home.

Round and Round the Garden

All Nursery Rhymes — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 08:03:16 +0000

“Round and Round the Garden is a nursery rhyme that originates in the 1940’s, and it is also a singing game associated with fingerplay.

“Round and Round the Garden” Finger Play

This nursery rhyme is usually accompanied by other actions, usually played by an adult to a child. During the first two verses of the song, the adult traces his finger in a circle on the child’s palm. During the third verse the adult climbs the child’s arm and in the final verse the adult tickled the child.

“Round and Round the Garden” Lyrics

Round and round the garden
Like a teddy bear.
One step, two step,
Tickle you under there.

Patty Cake Song

All Nursery Rhymes — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 21:08:31 +0000

“Pat a cake, Pat a cake, Baker’s man” (also known as Patty Cake) is a very popular nursery rhyme, first recorded in late 17th century England. Along with “Do You Know The Muffin Man” it is one the few beloved nursery rhymes about bakery.

“Pat a cake, Pat a cake, Baker’s man” is one of the oldest known English nursery rhymes, first appearing in 1698 in a Thomas d’Urfey play and later around 1765 in Mother Goose’s Melody.

Patty Cake game

“Pat a cake, Pat a cake, Baker’s man” is also a very popular clapping game among children.

The game is played between two partners, and one partner’s hand is used as the cake. While the second verse is sung, one partner rocks the other who pretends to sleep. After the other person wakes up, the partners pat their hands together and serve the cake.

Patty Cake Lyrics

Common version of the song:
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man.
Bake me a cake as fast as you can;
Pat it and prick it and mark it with B,
Put it in the oven for baby and me.

Little Bunny Foo Foo

All Nursery Rhymes — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 17:18:39 +0000

“Little Bunny Foo Foo” is one of the most beloved nursery rhymes and it tells the story of a nasty little rabbit who is disturbing a mice family.

This behavior is upsetting the Good Fairy who blames him for his actions and gives him three chances to change. As a punishment the little rabbit will be transformed into a goon. “Little Bunney Foo Foo” is a moral theme song, and it is sung accompanied by hand gestures.

The song has many known version, sometimes it is called “Little Rabbit Floo Floo” or some version spell it Flu Flu instead of Floo Floo.

Even the end of the story varies from one version to another, the most popular one ends with the rabbit punished, becoming a goon!

The song ends with the moral say: “HARE TODAY, GOON TOMORROW”

The story of Little Bunny Foo Foo is a very popular tale and is the subject of some illustrated books for kids. It also appears in the “Lenore, The Cute Little Dead Girl” a series of black comedy written by Roman Dirge.

A version of “Little Bunny Floo Floo” was sung in South Park, season 4 by Butters Stotch as” Something You Can Do with Your Finger”

“Little Bunny Foo Foo” Lyrics

Little Bunny Foo Foo
Hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
And down, down, down came the Good Fairy, and said:
“Little Bunny Foo Foo
I don’t want to see you
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
I’m going to give you three chances,
And if you don’t behave,
And then, I’m going to turn you into a…GOOOOOON!”
Little Bunny Foo Foo
Hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
And down, down, down came the Good Fairy, and said:
“Little Bunny Foo Foo
I don’t want to see you
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
I’m going to give you two more chances,
And if you don’t behave,
And then, I am going to turn you into a…GOOOOOON!”
Little Bunny Foo Foo
Hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
And down, down, down came the Good Fairy, and said:
“Little Bunny Foo Foo
I don’t like your attitude
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
I’m going to give you one more chance,
And if you don’t behave,
And then, I am definitely going to turn you into a…GOOOOOON!
And it won’t be pretty!”
Little Bunny Foo Foo
Hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice
And bopping them on the head.
“That’s it.”
Then the Good Fairy came down,
And then she turned Little Bunny Foo Foo into a…GOOOOOON!
And the moral of the story is:
“HARE TODAY, GOON TOMORROW”.

Itsy Bitsy Spider

All Nursery Rhymes — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 16:47:21 +0000

“Itsy Bitsy Spider” or “Incy Wincy Spider” is a modern nursery rhyme popular among children across the United States and the United Kingdom as well (where Incy Wincy is more commonly used).

The origin of this song is not known, but it was first published in 1920, more as a song for adults in “Camp and camino in lower California” with the words “blooming, bloody” instead of “itsy bitsy”.

The actual version of “Itsy Bitsy Spider” was later printed in 1947 by the California Folklore Society in the Western Folklore collection. It appears as a nursery rhyme in 1948 in the American Folk Songs for Children a collection by Mike and Peggy Seeger, and in 1955 in Maxwell Slutz Stewart’ book “The Growing Family: A Guide for Parents”.

Itsy Bitsy Spider Finger Play

“Itsy Bitsy Spider”, more often recited than sung, is a finger-play rhyme for children. It tells the adventures of a Spider, named Itsy Bitsy (or Incy Wincy – more popular in England) who is going up and down, and up again, as the weather is chaining. The kids have to mimic its movements while singing the song, a very entertaining activity, useful to improve their manual dexterity.

The rhyme has more than one accepted versions as it follows:

“Itsy Bitsy Spider” Lyrics

“The itsy bitsy spider crawled up the water spout.
Down came the rain, and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun, and dried up all the rain,
and the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again”

In other versions, “crawled” is replaced with “climbed” or” went”

“Incy Wincy Spider” Alternative Version

Incy Wincy spider climbing up the spout.
Down came the rain, and washed poor Incy out.
Up came the sun, and dried up all the rain
And Incy Wincy spider went climbing up again.