1) Five Little Ducks
5 little ducks went out to play, (Show open hand with 5 fingers)
Over the hill and far away (put hand behind your back)
Mama Duck called "quack, quack, quack", (open and close other hand "quacking")
4 little ducks came waddling back. (Bring your open hand back, showing 4
fingers)
4 little ducks.......
3 little ducks.....
2 little ducks...
1 little duck....
No little ducks......
No little ducks went out to play,
Over the hill and far away.
Grandma Duck called "quack, quack, quack" (Substitute Daddy, Brother, etc)
5 little ducks came waddling back.
When we say Grandma Duck, the "quacks" are very loud
We sometimes use this as a listening tool. It is important not only to answer "Grandma", but to always listen when mom (or dad) call us.
2) Beehive
Here is the beehive (fist closed with thumb on top)
Where are the bees?
Hidden away where no one sees!
Soon they come creeping out of the hive...
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (open fist, one finger at a time)
BZZZZZZ-ZZZZ!
3) 5 Little Monkeys
Five little monkeys
Swinging on a tree
Teasing Mr. Alligator
Can’t catch me! Can’t catch me!
Along came Mr. Alligator
Ugly as can be,,,,
SNAP!
Now there’s only
Four little moneys......etc.
4) 5 Little Monkeys
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
His Mother called the Dr. and the Dr. said
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
Four little monkeys.....etc.until....
No more monkeys jumping on the bed
Mother was so happy she made banana bread!
5) Open/Shut Them
Open - shut them, open - shut them
Do a little clap
Open - shut them, open - shut them
Put them in your lap.
6) My Hands
My hands upon my head I’ll place
Upon my shoulders, on my face
At my waist and by my side
And then behind me they will hide
Then I will raise them way up high
And let my fingers fly, fly, fly
Then clap, clap, cap and 1, 2, 3
Just see how quiet they can be!
7) I wiggle my fingers
I wiggle my fingers
I wiggle my toes
I wiggle my shoulders
I wiggle my nose
Now no more wiggles are left in me
So I will be still as still can be
8) Clap your hands
Clap, clap, clap your hands
As slowly as you can
Clap, clap, clap your hands
As quickly as you can
Shake, shake, shake your hands....
Rub, rub, rub your hands...
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle your fingers...
Pound, pound, pound your fist....
9) 10 Little fingers
I have 10 little fingers
And they all belong to me
I can make them do things
Would you like to see?
I can shut them up tight
Or open them up wide
I can hold them in front
Or make them all hide
I can put them up high
Or put them down low
I can put them in my lap
And hold them just so
10) If you're happy and you know it
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
""
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.
If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet....
If you’re happy and you know it jump up and down....
If you’re happy and you know it turn around....
etc.
11) Hop like a bunny
We’ll hop, hop, hop like a bunny
and run, run, run like a dog
We’ll walk, walk, walk like an elephant
and jump, jump, jump like a frog
We’ll swim, swim, swim like a goldfish
and fly, fly, fly like a bird
We’ll sit right down and fold our hands
and not say a single word.
12) Five animals
Five animals living in the barn.
The horse walked out the door.
And then there were four.
Four animals living in the barn.
The cow went to lay under the tree.
And then there were three.
Three animals living in the barn.
The pig found some corn to chew.
And then there were two.
Two animals living in the barn.
The goat was on the run.
And then there was one.
One animal living in the barn.
The duck went for a swim and lay in the sun.
And then there were none.
13) This little cow
This Little cow eats grass. (point to or wiggle fingers in sequence.)
This Little cow chews hay
This little cow drinks water
This little cow walks away.
But this little cow says, "moo,moo,moo,"
And gives us milk each day.
This little cow eats grass.
(hold up one hand, fingers erect, bend down one finger)
This little cow eats hay.
(bend down another finger)
This little cow drinks water.
(bend down another finger)
And this little cow does nothing.
(Bend down another finger)
But lie and sleep all day.
This Little cow eats grass. (point to or wiggle fingers in sequence.)
This Little cow chews hay
This little cow drinks water
This little cow walks away.
But this little cow says, "moo,moo,moo,"
And gives us milk each day.
This little cow eats grass.
(hold up one hand, fingers erect, bend down one finger)
This little cow eats hay.
(bend down another finger)
This little cow drinks water.
(bend down another finger)
And this little cow does nothing.
(Bend down another finger)
But lie and sleep all day.
14) Three little....
THREE TALKING TOUCANS SITTING IN A TREE
THE FIRST ONE TURNED & SQUAWKED AT ME!
THREE LIITTLE TOUCANS SITTING IN A ROW
THE SECOND ONE SAID"I FLAP MY WINGS,WATCH ME GO!"
THREE LITTLE TOUCANS SITTING SIDE BY SIDE
THE THIRD ONE SAID"MY BRIGHT BEAK,I OPEN WIDE!"
THREE LITTLE FROGS SITTING IN A TREE
THE FIRST ONE TURNED & JUMPED TOWARDS ME!
THREE LITTLE LITTLE FROGS HOPPING ALL ABOUT
THE SECOND ONE SAID "AT NIGHT'S WHEN I COME OUT!"
THREE LITTLE FROGS LEAPING TREE TO TREE
THE THIRD ONE SAID"HEY,WAIT FOR ME!
15) Four Little stars
Four little stars
winking at me.
One shot off,
then there were three!
Three little stars
With nothing to do.
One shot off,
Then there were two!
Two little stars
Afraid of the sun.
One shot off,
Then there was one!
One little star
Alone is no fun.
It shot off,
then there was none!
16) Don't touch the baby
Don't Touch The Baby
(child holds up hand, fingers outstretched; points to each
finger as he sings:)
Mother,Father, Sister, Brother -but don't touch the Baby!
(Doesn't touch little finger)
(Repeat several times, then )
Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Waa -- I touched the Baby!
17) Skidamarink
Skidamarink - a -dink-a-dink
(Right elbow in left hand, wiggle fingers)
Skidamarink -a-doo
(Repeat, only opposite)
I love you.
(Point to self, hug self, point to other person)
Skidamarink-a-dink-a-dink
(Same as above)
Skidamarink - a-doo
I love you.
I love you in the morning
(Hands locked high above head)
And in the afternoon
(Lower to shoulder level)
I love you in the evening
(Lower to hip level)
And underneath the moon.
(Arms make big circle overhead)
Oh, skidamarink-a-dink-a-dink
(Same as above)
I love you (I love you)
18) Five Little Peas
Five little peas in a pea-pod pressed,
(Clench fingers on one hand)
One grew, two grew and so did all the rest.
(Raise fingers slowly)
They grew and grew and did not stop
(Stretch fingers wide)
Until one day the pod went POP!
(Clap loudly on POP!)
19) Five Little Ducklings
Five little ducklings dozing in a lake (Make a fist with one hand)
One by one they all come awake (Start to open fist slowly)
The first little duckling dives for a fish. ( Make diving motion with thumb of the same hand)
But the fish swims away with a swish, swish, swish. ( Make swimming motion with the other hand)
The second little duckling decides to swim. ( Make bobbing motion with
index finger on one hand.) The third little duckling follows after him. ( Make bobbing motion with third finger.)
The fourth duckling quacks, "What a beautiful day!" ( Tap fourth finger
against thumb)
So he flaps his wings and flies away. ( Make flying motion with hands.)
When duckling number five heard the flap, flap, flap, ( Make flapping motion with both hands.)
He put his head down and took a little nap. ( Make one hand into a fist and place it under other arm).
20) Five Merry Mice
Five merry mice flying to the moon. ( Make flying motion upward with one hand)
Five merry mice humming a tune. ( Hum )
Mouse number 1 is taking a walk. (Make walking motion using two fingers on each hand)
Mouse number 2 just wants to talk. (Tap index finger against thumb several times.)
Mouse number 3 is floating in space. ( Make floating motion with one hand)
Mouse number 4 is washing his face. ( Pretend to wash face.)
Mouse number 5 takes pictures on the moon. ( Pretend to take pictures with a camera)
Maybe the mice will fly back soon. ( Hold both hands up high and them make diving motion downward.)
21) Acrobat
One little acrobat swinging through the air.
(Hold index finger up and swing side to side.)
He flips and he flops as we stare.
(Make index finger bend up and down.)
And suddenly he’s caught by another with flare!
(Excitement in voice, lock both index fingers together.)
He didn’t even know that he gave me a scare!
(Shake head and wipe brow.)
One little acrobat swinging through the air
(Hold index finger up and swing side to side.)
He lands and bows with the greatest of care!
(With left palm facing up, place right hand with index finger up on left palm and bend it as to bow. )
22) Baby Bears
Five baby bears in the bed, (Hold up five fingers.)
One rolled over and hit his head. (Hands on head.)
Four baby bears in the bed, (Hold up four fingers.)
One left to go and eat some bread. (Pretend to eat.)
Three baby bears in the bed, (Three fingers.)
"I’ve got to go," one baby bear said. (Put hands on face.)
Two baby bears in the bed, (Hold up two fingers.)
I want my pajamas that are red! (Put hands on hips.)
One baby bear in the bed, (Hold up one finger.)
He’s so comfortable with the whole bedspread.
(Put both hands on side of face and pretend to go to sleep.)
23) Baby Bunny
Baby bunny dressed in blue.
(Hold up two fingers on one hand like bunny ears)
Met another; then there were two.
(Use two hands and hold up index and middle fingers.)
Bouncy bunnies to the left.
(Move fingers to left.)
Bouncy bunnies to the right.
(Move fingers to right.)
Bouncy bunnies get in bed.
(One bunny bounces to your back.)
Off to bed, you sleepy heads.
(Bounce other bunny to the back.)
24) Motion Poem
Baby bunny bounces high; (Jump high.)
Baby bunny bounces low; (jump low.)
Baby bunny blinks his eyes; (Blink eyes.)
Baby Bunny waves good-bye. (Wave good-bye.)
25) Caterpillar
There was a little caterpillar crawling all about.
He worked and he worked without a doubt.
(Index finger wiggling)
Wrapping himself in a snug cocoon.
Waiting and waiting, will it be soon?
(Cover index finger with other hand.)
Look, he’s coming out, my oh my!
For now he’s become a beautiful butterfly.
(Cross thumbs and let fingers be fingers be butterfly wings.)
26) Dogs in the Dirt
Ten little doggies went out one day
(10 fingers up)
To dig in the dirt and play, play, play.
(Pretend to dig.)
Five were spotted, and five were not,
(Show one hand at a time.)
and at dinner time they ate a lot!
(Pretend to eat.)
27) Elephant
A circus elephant I went to see.
(Hold hand over eyes.)
He had 4 legs and was bigger than me.
(Hold up 4 fingers and point to self.)
He had two ears big and round.
(Show two fingers and make a circle with hands.)
And one long nose that made a sound. /eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee/
(Put arm like trunk and make elephant noise.)
28) Ethel’s Eggs
Ethel was a hen who laid 10 eggs.
(Hold up 10 fingers.)
Each chick hatched and had two legs.
(Cup hands together and open, pointing both index fingers upward.)
They would play and have their fun.
(Wiggle all 10 fingers.)
But when Ethel called, they would come!
(While wiggling fingers, clasp hands together.)
(Ask: How many legs did 10 chicks have?
Let children draw 10 chicks to find out.)
Evelyn’s Rent
On the first, Evelyn was sent
(Hold up index finger.)
To pay Mr. Edward the apartment rent.
(Hold out palm as to pay money.)
On the elevator, Evelyn went
(Point right index finger upward and sit on palm of other hand.)
And did her job excellent!
(Clap hands.)
29) Five Fingers
I have five fingers on each hand.
(Show each hand.)
I like to put them in the sand.
(Wiggle all fingers.)
When I hide my thumb just so,
(Bend thumbs back.)
There’s only four that I can show.
(Show four fingers on each hand.)
30) Green Grapes
Five green grapes growing on a vine.
(Hold up five fingers.)
I picked one ‘cause it looked so fine!
(Touch thumb and fold it down.)
Four green grapes growing on a vine.
Hold up four fingers.)
I picked another for my Valentine!
(Touch index finger & fold down.)
Three green grapes growing on a vine.
(Hold up three fingers.)
I ate another, I couldn’t decline!
(Touch middle finger and fold down.)
Two green grapes growing on a vine.
(Hold two fingers up.)
I ate another in the sunshine.
(Touch ring finger and fold down.)
One green grape growing on a vine
(Hold up little finger)
I ate it too, cause they were all mine!
(Fold down little finger)
31) Humming Birds
Five humming birds flying in the air
(Hold up five fingers.)
The first one landed in my hair.
(Touch thumb.)
The second and third were a pair.
(Touch index and middle finger and let these fingers come together.)
The fourth humming bird didn’t care.
(Touch ring finger.)
The fifth humming bird hummed everywhere.
(Touch little finger and hum.)
32) I Hop on my Horse
I hop on my horse and go to town.
(Pretend to ride horse.)
I ride up high and I don’t fall down.
(Place arms high and then low.)
I wear a hat so my hair won’t blow.
(Put hand on head.)
and when I want to stop, I just say Ho!
(Pull back on reins.)
33) Inch Worms
5 inch worms inching up a tree,
(Wiggle five fingers.)
5 insects invited them to see
(Hold up other hand.)
An Iguana inside the tree.
(Place hand inside other hand.)
Use your imagination and you will see
(Point index finger to head.)
All 10 having fun in a tree!
(Wiggle all 10 fingers.)
34) Jelly Beans
Jelly beans in the jar I see.
(Hold up 10 fingers.)
There’re five for Jenny and five for me.
(Hold up each hand.)
We jump each time we put one in:
1 (jump)
2 (jump)
3 (jump)
4 (jump)
5 (jump)
(REPEAT)
(First boys jump 5 times then girls jump 5 times.)
35)Jumping Jelly Beans
5 jelly beans jumping in the den;
(Hold 5 fingers up.)
5 more joined and then there were 10.
(Show other hand.)
10 jelly beans jumping in the den,
(Show both hands.)
just joking around with great big grins.
(Smile.)
36) Kangaroos
5 baby kangaroos all in a row
(Hold up 5 fingers.)
When they see their mother they kick just so
(Let fingers thrust forward.)
For their mothers they have missed,
(Hold up other hand.)
So they run and give her a great big kiss.
(Wiggle right hand fingers toward left hand and touch fingertips.)
37) Lizards in a Log
Five lizards live in a log.
(Hold up five fingers and then cover palm with other hand.)
One left to live with a frog.
(Hold thumb of left hand down behind log.)
One left to live with a dog.
(Hold index finger down behind log.)
Two left to live with a hog.
(Hold middle and ring finger down.)
One little lizard living in the bog (Bog means a wet, spongy ground)
(Show little finger.)
Is a little lonely living in a log.
(Hold index finger up and swing side to side.)
38) Merry Mice
Five merry mice were born in May.
(Show five fingers.)
The first one said, In the Mud, let’s play.
(Touch thumb.)
The second one said, No way, Hosea!
(Touch index.)
The third one said, In the middle I must stay.
(Touch middle.)
The fourth one said, I am mad today.
(Touch ring finger.)
The fifth one said, Our Mom we must obey.
(Touch little finger.)
39) Noisy Nails
I use my hammer and five nails.
(Show 5 fingers.)
That’s too noisy, my neighbor yells!
(Raise voice.)
I’ll hammer them now before it’s night!
1,2,3,4,5
(Pretend to hammer.)
And to my neighbor I’ll be polite!
40) Ostrich
An ostrich has two long legs
(Hold up 2 fingers.)
and can lay many large eggs.
(Touch together index fingers and thumb for large egg.)
She’s the largest of all the birds,
(Hold hands up high like wings.)
And she can’t fly. Isn’t that absurd?
(Put hands on hips.)
41) Octopus
An octopus has 8 long arms.
(Hold up eight fingers.)
It lives in the sea, but do not be alarmed!
(Wave hands back and forth to indicate no harm.)
He squirts out ink, when he is the prey
(Clap hands when saying the word squirts.)
and grows a new arm when it’s torn away.
(Hold up an arm.)
42) Pointy Fingers
Two pointy fingers I can show
(Hold up both index fingers.)
Way up high or way down low.
(Hold index fingers high & low.)
With my right, I point to my toe.
(Right index toward toe.)
With my left, I show where to go.
(Point to left.)
Two pointy fingers I can show
(Hold up both index fingers.)
To show you things that I know!
(Point straight ahead, then to head.)
43) Pairs
Two things make a pair.
(Hold up two fingers.)
And on me, I’ll show you where.
(Point to self.)
I have two ears, and I have two eyes.
(Point to ear and eyes.)
Both are important to make me wise!
I have two holes in my nose.
(Point to nose.)
That lets me smell a beautiful rose.
(Pretend to smell a rose.)
I have two hands that clap a beat.
(Clap hands to underlined words.)
I have two feet that are really neat!
(Jump when saying the word neat!)
44) Five Little Ducks and Five Little Quail
Five little ducks went out to play
(Wiggle five fingers on right hand.)
And met five quail that came their way.
(Wiggle five fingers on left hand.)
The five little quail went to get a snack,
(Take left hand to behind back.)
And the five little ducks went quack, quack, quack!
(Put right hand to mouth like a duck’s bill and move fingers as imitating duck quacking.)
45) Five Queens
There were 5 queens on a quest
(Hold up five fingers.)
To see who was the very best!
(Wiggle all five.)
The first queen went to take a test.
(Touch thumb.)
The second queen said, I’ll go out west.
(Touch index.)
The third queen climbed Mount Everest.
(Touch middle.)
The fourth queen made a beautiful vest.
(Touch ring.)
The fifth queen said, I’ll just take a rest.
(Touch little finger.)
46) Robin Red Breast
Way up high, little robin flying just so.
(hands up high)
Quick down low for a worm he must go.
(hands down low)
With a wing on the left and a wing on the right,
(arms extended one at a time, left first, then right)
Fly to your nest for soon it will be night.
(arms flapping arms as if flying)
47) Six Silly Spiders
Six silly spiders standing in a row.
(Hold up six fingers.)
They just do not know where to go,
(Wiggle 6 fingers.)
But when someone comes to spray,
(Pretend to spray; use /s/ sound.)
They will be off on their way.
(Wiggle fingers away.)
In the sea are seven seals.
(Hold up 7 fingers.)
Swimming and splashing are some of their skills. (Pretend to swim.)
Soon the seals are surprised.
(Throw hand up as surprised.)
By a fish that’s twice their size.
(As voice gets louder, put arms out wide to show big.)
Swim, little seals, as swiftly as you can,
(Pretend to swim fast.)
Or there may be only six in your clan.
(Hold up six fingers.)
48) Tiny Toads
Two tiny toads jumping around.
(Hold up 2 fingers and turn around.)
Two turtles crawling on the ground.
(Hold up 2 fingers and bend down low.)
They all tiptoed without making a sound.
(Hold up 4 fingers and tiptoe.)
And they turned their heads round and round.
(Turn heads round and round.)
49) Ten Toes
10 toes way down low,
(Point to toes.)
Arms out just like so!
(Put both arms straight out.)
Head high in the shade,
(Put head up.)
Letter T, I have made!
50) Troublesome Twins
I have two friends that look just alike.
(Hold up both index fingers.)
One’s name is Ike, and the other’s name is Mike.
(Show one index for Ike and the other for Mike.)
When they trick the teacher, they just grin.
(Smile)
They are known as the troublesome twins.
(Shake finger.)
51) Under My Umbrella
Under my umbrella, I am dry.
(Cup hand above index finger.)
When it’s raining, my oh my.
(Fingers wiggle like rain coming down.)
I wait until the raindrops stop.
(Clap hands together on the word stop.)
Now no umbrella on my top!
(Just hold up index finger.)
52) Wonderful World
A wonderful world, I live in
( Make a circle.)
I watch the worms, and I count to 10.
(Hold up 10 fingers.)
I wash my window way up high
(Pretend to wash window up high.)
And walk in the woods and wave good-bye!
(Walk in place and wave good-bye.)
53) Wasps on the Wall
5 wasps were on the wall.
(Show 5 fingers.)
How could they hurt me, they are so small!
(Put hands on waist.)
I’ll spray some water, so they will fall
(Pretend to spray water with hose.)
Uh oh! I’d better run! They’re after me, five wasps in all!
(Wiggle 5 fingers.)
54) Fox in a Box
I saw a little fox
(Hold up two fingers walking in air.)
climb into a box.
(Put fingers in opening of other hand.)
I saw a large ox
(Hold hand as a fist.)
sit on a mailbox.
(Place fist on other hand.)
55) Yawning Yaks
Five yaks yawned a lot--
(Hold up 5 fingers and yawn.)
Time for bed believe it or not.
(Lay hands aside of face as asleep.)
For your mother you must obey.
(Shake pointy finger.)
And when you get up, just yell yea!
(Jump up and say yea.)
56) Zebras in a Zoo
Five zebras in a zoo--
(Wiggle five fingers.)
The first one said, I need new shoes.
(Touch thumb.)
The second said, I do, too!
(Touch index finger.)
The third one said, My name is Sue.
(Touch middle finger.)
The fourth one said, It’s nice to meet you.
(Shake ring finger with other hand as if shaking hands.)
The Fifth one said, How do you do?
(Wiggle little finger.)
57) Jack Be Nimble
Jack be nimble
Jack be quick
Jack jump (jump up and down)
Over the candlestick
58) Jack In The Box
Jack in the box(hide thimb in fist)
Sits so still
Won't you come out?
Yes I will(pop thumb out of fist)
59) Marching We Will Go
A marching we will go (march in place)
A marching we will go
Hi-ho the derry-oh
A marching we will go
60) Mr/Ms Clown
Mr/Ms clown, Mr/Ms clown (clap hands while chanting)
He's/She's the funniest clown in town
Click...(snap fingers)
Do a trick (everyone bows)
61) Ting A Ling
I am a circus clown
My name is ting a ling (point to self)
Let (child's name)
Do a funny trick (child does a trick)
In our circus ring
62) Clothes On Fire
Clothes on fire
Don't get scared
STOP! (freeze)
DROP! (fall to the floor)
ROLL! (log roll)
63) The Train
Choo, choo, choo (say loudly)
The train comes down the track (rotate arms forward)
Choo, choo, choo (say loudly)
And runs right back (rotate arms backward)
64) Tony Chestnut
(Toe, Knee, Chest, Nut)
As you sing each word point to child's body part
Toe,Knee,chest,nut(head)
knows(nose) I(eye) love you
Toe,knee,chest,nut
knows I love you
Toe,knee,chest,nut
knows I love you
That's what toe knee nose
(tony knows)
65) Five Little Hot Dogs - Fingerplay
5 little hotdogs sizzling in the pan, (hold up 5 fingers)
The grease got hot and one went BAM! (clap hands)
4 little hotdogs sizzling in the pan,
The grease got hot and one went BAM!
3 little hotdogs sizzling in the pan,
The grease got hot and one went BAM!
2 little hotdogs sizzling in the pan,
The grease got hot and one went BAM!
1 little hotdog sizzling in the pan,
The grease got hot and one went BAM!
No little hotdogs sizzling in the pan,
The grease got hot and the grease went BAM!
66) Popcorn
Pop, Pop, Pop! (clap for each pop)
Pour the corn into the pot. (pour)
Pop, Pop, Pop!
Take and shake it till it's hot. (shake)
Pop, Pop, Pot!
Lift the lid. What have we got? (lift lid)
POPCORN! (shout it)
67) I wiggle my fingers;
I wiggle my toes.
I wiggle my shoulders;
I wiggle my nose.
Now no more wiggles are left in me,
So I'm as still I can be.
68) ***Two Little***
Two little eyes to look around,
Two little ears to hear each sound:
One little nose to smell what's sweet,
One little mouth that likes to eat.
Actions:-
Line 1. Point to the eyes and count them
Line 2. Touch ears and count them
Line 3. Wriggle baby's nose
Line 4. Pretends to gobble baby up-go "grr" toward the belly button
and give baby a hug
69) LITTLE BOY BLUE
Sung to: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
Little Boy Blue, come blow your horn,
(Pretend to blow horn.)
The sheep's in the meadow, the cow's in the corn.
(Point to the right, then to the left)
Where's the boy who looks after the sheep?
(Cup hand over eye and look around.)
He's under the haystack, fast asleep.
(pretend to sleep)
Little Boy Blue, come blow your horn,
(Pretend to blow horn.)
The sheep's in the meadow, the cow's in the corn.
(Point to the right, then to the left)
70) Dinosaurs Five
Five big dinosaurs, five and no more (five fingers up)
One chased a butterfly, and then there were four. (thumb)
Four big dinosaurs, eating on a tree;
One went for a swim and then there were three. (index)
Three big dinosaurs, didn't know what to do.
One went fishing and then there were two.
Two big dinosaurs can still have fun,
But one went for dinner and that left one.
One big dinosaur watched the setting sun.
He closed his sleepy eyes, and then there were none!
(fingers go down, one by one)
71) Hiding Dinosaurs
Dinosaur, Dinosaur,
Where can you be?
Hiding behind me (hands behind back)
Where you cannot see.
Now you see one. (bring out one hand)
It's waiting for you.
Here comes another, (bring out other hand)
And now you see two!
72) Stars Finger play
At night I see the twinkling stars
(fist up and open hands over your head)
And a great big smiling moon
(circle arms overhead)
My Mommy tucks me into bed
(Lay pointer of one hand across the palm of the other hand)
And sings a good-night tune.
(Rock your hands back and forth)
73) Ten in the Bed
There were ten in the bed,
And the little one said,
Roll over, roll over. (Roll hands)
And they all rolled over,
And one fell out (hold up one finger)
There were nine in the bed,
And the little one said,
Roll over roll over.
(Start by holding up ten fingers.
Continue until there are none in the bed.)
74) "Five Little Bears"
Five little cubby bears, tumbling on the ground (Hold up five fingers)
The first little bear said, "Let's look around." (Hold hand to eyes)
The second one said, "See the little bunny." (Point finger)
The third one said, "I smell honey!" (Sniff the air)
The fourth one said, "It's over in the trees." (Point finger)
The fifth one said, "Look out! Here comes the bees!" (Run fingers)
75) The Apple Tree
Away up high in an apple tree, (raise arms high)
Two red apples smiled at me (Smile and hold up two fingers)
I shook that tree as hard as I could; (Shake hands)
Down came those apples, (Bring hands down)
And mmmmm, were they good. (Rub tummy)
76) Five Red Apples
Five red apples hanging in a tree (Hold up five fingers)
The juiciest apples you ever did see.
The wind came by and gave an angry frown (Fingers flutter downward)
And one little apple came tumbling down (One finger falls)
Four red apples, hanging in a tree, etc.
77) Four Little Apples
Four little apples dancing in a tree, (Let four fingers dance)
They danced so long that they set themselves free. (Fingers fall)
They continued to dance as they fell to the ground
And there by some children these apples were found.
"Oh! Look at the rosy one! (Hold up one finger)
"It almost bounced!"
"I'll take the red one!" (Hold up second finger)
Another announced.
The third child laughed as he chose the yellow one. (Hold up third
finger)
"I'll take it to Mother, 'cause she lets me have fun."
The fourth child put the last one on a tray (Put fourth finger in palm
of
left hand)
And carefully carried the green apple away.
78) Five Candles
Five little candles, in the night.
Five little candles, burning bright.
Along comes the wind ....
Whoo All is quiet
four little candles burning in the night
Continue with...
Four little candles
three little candles
two little candles
one little candle.
Actions
extend fingers on right hand, left hand comes along, whoooo, fold down
one
finger, leave four fingers extended, repeat and fold away one finger
with
each verse.
79) Two Turtles
Two old turtles
Going for a walk
"Good morning",said one
"Shall we have a little talk?"
"Yes," said the other,
"I do enjoy a chat"
So they walked along together
With a natter, natter, nat !
Actions: Clenched fists with second fingers extended moving slowly
forward,
Both hands stop, right hand extended finger wiggles, Left hand extended
finger wiggles, Both hands moved forwards with extended fingers
wiggling.
80) Wriggle Your Fingers
Wriggle your fingers
Wriggle your toes
Stand your soldiers (fingers)
In two straight rows
Hide your fingers
Hide your toes
No more soldiers
In two straight rows
Actions: Translate words into actions.
81) Little Butterfly
I'm a little butterfly
I have wings
I fly around
And see all things
When I see a flower
That looks great
I call out
To all of my mates.
Actions: Translate words into actions.
82) Ensy Weensy Spider
Ensy Weensy Spider
Climbed up the water spout.
Down came the rain,
And washed poor Ensy out.
Out came the sunshine,
And dried up all the rain.
So Ensy Weensy spider,
Climbed up the spout again.
Actions- Do actions as song suggests.
83) My Book
This is my book, it will open wide
To show the pictures that are inside.
This is my ball, so big and round,
To toss in the air
Or roll on the ground.
Here's my umbrella to keep me dry
When the raindrops fall
>From the cloudy sky.
This is my kitty; just hear her purr
When I'm gently stroking her soft warm fur.
Actions- Translate words into actions
84) Little Mousie
Here's a little mousie
Peeking through a hole.
Peek to the left.
Peek to the right.
Pull your head back in,
There's a cat in sight !
Actions- Cup hands and stick finger out, Peek to left/right, Pull head
in,
Meow as if cat
85) Clap Your Hands
Clap, clap, clap your hands
As slowly as you can.
Clap, clap, clap your hands
As quickly as you can.
Shake....
Roll....
Rub....
Wiggle your fingers
Pound your fists.
Actions- Translate words into actions
86) FINGERS IN A ROW
One, two, three, four, five in a row,
Are fingers on the right, you know.
One, two, three, four, five in a row,
Are fingers on the left, and so
How many fingers can you show?
Touch each finger! Ready go!
One, two, three, four, five,
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
That's the way everyone knows...
Ten little fingers in two even rows.
87) MAKE YOURSELF TALL
Make yourself tall
Raise your hands in the air.
Please sit down
In your very own chair.
Clap three times
Make a great big frown.
Laugh, "Ha, ha!"
And flop like a clown.
88) BIRTHDAY FOR PIGLETS
This baby pig had a birthday.
This baby pig fixed the lunch.
This baby pig baked the cupcakes,
And this baby pig mixed the punch.
This baby pig - well what did she do?
She sand "Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday to YOU!"
89) FARMER JONES' FARM
One dog,
Two cats,
Three goats,
And four white rats.
Five hens,
Six cows,
Seven geese,
And eight sows.
Nine sheep,
Ten lambs,
And hidden away where nobody sees,
Are a hundred and fifty honey bees!
89) LITTLE ANTS
One little ant, two little ants,
Three little ants I see.
Four little ants, five little ants,
Lively as can be.
Six little ants, seven little ants,
Eight in a bowl of glass.
Nine little ants, ten little ants
Entertain our class.
90) THIS LITTLE CRICKET
(point one finger at a time)
The first little cricket played a violin.
The second little cricket joined right in.
The third little cricket made a crackly song.
The fourth little cricket helped him along.
The fifth little cricket cried, "Crick-crick-cree.
The orchestra is over and it's time for tea!"
91) My Teddy
This little bear is going to bed
Down on the pillow she lays her head.
Covers herself with the blankets so tight
And this is the way she sleeps all night.
Morning comes and she opens her eyes
Throws back the covers and up she flies.
Soon she is up - it's a brand new day
Ready for daycare and ready to play!
92) Five Kittens
Five little kittens standing in a row, (Hold up five fingers.)
They nod their heads to the children so. (Bend fingers)
They run to the left; they run to the right. (Run fingers to the left and then
to the right.)
They stand up and stretch in the bright sunlight. (Stretch fingers out tall.)
Along comes a dog who's in for some fun. (Hold up one finger from opposite
hand.)
ME-OW! See those little kittens run! (Let fingers run.)
93) Kitty, Kitty...
I have a little kitty, (Extend first and fourth fingers like ears)
He is as quick as he can be. (Make a side way motion with one hand
quickly)
He jumps upon my lap, (Cup one hand in palm of other)
And purrs a song to me. (Make purring sound)
94) Four Little Kittens
One, two, three, four--four little kittens
running through the door! (Make fingers run)
Four, three, two, one--four little kittens, see how fast
they run!! (put fingers behind back, hide all, "run" again)
One, two, three, four, 'Bye little kittens, running to the store!!) (wave with
both hands)
95) My Kitty Cat
I have a kitty cat named Puff. (hold up one thumb)
He's round and soft as a ball of fluff. (make a circle with finger and thumb
of other hand)
Each day he laps up all his milk.
And his fur is soft as silk. (stroke thumb with other hand)
When he's happy you will know,
For his fluffy tail swings to and fro. (wiggle little finger)
96)Lonely Kitten
I'm just a lonely little kitten, as lonely as can be (make fist of left hand,
thumb for head and little finger for tail)
Won't somebody come and be a friend to me? (right hand moves toward left with
walking motion of index and middle fingers. When they meet, enclose fist in
right hand)
97) Pussycat Creeping
Pussycat creeping and crawling along (Right hand fingers creeping along)
Little bird chirping and singing a happy little song (Left hand sitting on
left shoulder)
Up jumps pussy, right into the tree. (Right hand onto left shoulder)
Away flies the bird so glad to be free. (Left hand flies away)
98) Here is the beehive
I changed the version of Here is the beehive. It is so much easier and it means the same. I do not know how to send them in poem form so bear with me. I willput the periods and comas in so you know how to line them up. maybe sometime you could give me a computer lesson on how to LOL HERE IS THE BEEHIVE Here is the beehive, but where are the bees? Hidden away where nobody sees. 1,2,3,4,5 buzzzzzzzzz. Make a fist until you count then go after the tummy when you are buzzing. We have to repeat until I sting everyone. They love it. I know this is a very familiar one but I made it easier and simple. This is a rest activity or whatever. Stand up, sit down, clap clap clap. Stand up sit down clap clap clap ( we repeat faster and faster)Now put your hands in your lap. Lots of fun and lots of movement. This one is a good opener when you are doing animals. What kind of a noise does a cow make? (they make the sound) Go through each animal or as many as you want. The last line is What kind of noise does an unhatched egg make? Then they are quiet and ready
99) MY EYES CAN SEE
My eyes can see <Make eyeglasses w/hands>
My mouth can talk <Make hand "talk">
My ears can hear <Cup hands behind ears>
My feet can walk <Use second and third fingers to 'walk'>
My nose can smell <Touch nose with index finger of right hand>
My teeth can bite <Move fingers together and apart as if chewing> My
lids can flutter <Hold hands up to eyes and flutter fingers> My hand
can write <Pretend to write>
But when the sandman comes at night & scatters sand
<Pretend to be scattering sand with right hand>
Turns out the light <Pretend to turn out light switch>
I'll say "good night" <Wave "good night" with right hand>
To you and you and each part of me says "good night" too.
The Traffic policeman holds up his hand, <hold up hand, palm
forward> He blows the whistle, <Pretend to blow whistle>
He gives the command. <Hold up hand again>
When the cars are stopped, <Hold up hand again>
He waves at me.
Then I may cross the street you see.
<Wave hand as if indicating for someone to do>
100) Missy Polly
Miss Polly had a dolly
Who was sick, sick, sick. <Rock a baby.>
She called for a doctor <Imitate calling on the phone>
To come quick, quick, quick.
He came in a hurry.
With his bag and his hat <Imitate putting on hat>
He knocked at the door <Knock>
With a rat-a-tat-tat.
He looked at the baby <cradle arms>
And shook his head. <shake head>
He said to Miss Polly
"Put her right to bed" <point and shake finger.>
He wrote on a paper. < Imitate writing>
For aa pill, pill, pill.
I'll be back in the morning <point to self>
With my bill, bill, bill. <pretending to wave paper>
101) DENTIST
If I were a dentist, <point to self>
I know what I would do.
I'd tell all the children, "Brush your teeth." <imitate brushing>
"Keep a smile like new" <smile>
And if a tiny hole should show, <make a circle with fingers>
I'd say "Climb into my chair"
I'd make my little drill go Buzzzzzzz, <make a buzzzz sound>
And put a filling there. <point to teeth>
102) Rain
Pitter-pat, pitter-pat,
The rain goes on for hours.
And although it keeps me in the house,
(Drum fingers on floor.)
It's very
(Hands in fists in front w/palms up.)
good for
(Open fists palms up.)
flowers.
(Move open hands upward, wiggling fingers as flowers.)
103) The Elephant
Unknown
The Elephant goes like this and that (Pretend to plod from side to side)
He's extremely tall (hands show how high)
And terribly fat (hands show how wide)
He has now fingers (wiggle fingers)
He has no toes (Point to wiggling toes)
But goodness gracious what a nose! (put out left arm, cross right arm straight
over it, then lift left arm to touch nose) [it makes and elephant trunk]
104) I Hop on my Horse
I hop on my horse and go to town.
(Pretend to ride horse.)
I ride up high and I don’t fall down.
(Place arms high and then low.)
I wear a hat so my hair won’t blow.
(Put hand on head.)
and when I want to stop, I just say Ho!
(Pull back on reins.)
105) Pairs
Two things make a pair.
(Hold up two fingers.)
And on me, I’ll show you where.
(Point to self.)
I have two ears, and I have two eyes.
(Point to ear and eyes.)
Both are important to make me wise!
I have two holes in my nose.
(Point to nose.)
That lets me smell a beautiful rose.
(Pretend to smell a rose.)
I have two hands that clap a beat.
(Clap hands to underlined words.)
I have two feet that are really neat!
(Jump when saying the word neat!)
106) Under My Umbrella
Under my umbrella, I am dry.
(Cup hand above index finger.)
When it’s raining, my oh my.
(Fingers wiggle like rain coming down.)
I wait until the raindrops stop.
(Clap hands together on the word stop.)
Now no umbrella on my top!
(Just hold up index finger.)
107) Ostrich
An ostrich has two long legs
(Hold up 2 fingers.)
and can lay many large eggs.
(Touch together index fingers and thumb for large egg.)
She’s the largest of all the birds,
(Hold hands up high like wings.)
And she can’t fly. Isn’t that absurd?
(Put hands on hips.)
108) Robin Red Breast
Way up high, little robin flying just so.
(hands up high)
Quick down low for a worm he must go.
(hands down low)
With a wing on the left and a wing on the right,
(arms extended one at a time, left first, then right)
Fly to your nest for soon it will be night.
(arms flapping arms as if flying)
109) Humming Birds
Five humming birds flying in the air
(Hold up five fingers.)
The first one landed in my hair.
(Touch thumb.)
The second and third were a pair.
(Touch index and middle finger and let these fingers come together.)
The fourth humming bird didn’t care.
(Touch ring finger.)
The fifth humming bird hummed everywhere.
(Touch little finger and hum.)
110) Baby Song
Now's the time to go to sleep.
Put the baby in the bed.
Cover the baby in the bed,
and kiss the baby goodnight.
You put your index finger up. Then put it into the other hand and
"cover it up" and Kiss it. Match he rhythm to the words.
After you kiss the baby goodnight....the finger hops up and down.
The baby's up!!!! What does he need?
(the kids suggest all kinds of things. Mine last year gave the baby
pepsi, pizza and milk and icecream)
Someone volunteers, you go through it again and add, "Give the baby
his bottle... and kiss the baby goodnight"
Then on and on, keep adding things. It is fun and good memory work
(especially for the teacher!)
111) My Garden
This is my garden
(Hold one hand palm upward)
I'll rake it with care
("Rake" with curled fingers of the other hand)
Here are the seeds
(Pretend to hold them in the other hand)
I'll plant them in there
(Pantomine planting seed by seed)
The sun will shine
(Circle head with arms)
The rain will fall
(Fingers flutter down)
The seed will sprout
(Spread fingers-push up other fingers between them)
And grow tall
(Bring hands and forearms together. Move up,spreading palms outward as
arms move up.)
112) Wind tricks
The wind is full of tricks today
He blew my daddy's hat away
He chased our paper down the street
He almost blew me off my feet
He makes the trees and bushes dance
Just listen to him howl and prance
113) Baby Robins
5 baby robins watch daddy robin soar
(Hold up 5 fingers & take 1 away for each robin)
1 baby leaves the nest and now there are 4
4 baby robins high in a tree
1 flies to catch a worm and now there are 3
3 baby robins had nothing to do
1 tried his new found wings and then there were 2
2 baby robins frolicked in the sun
1 baby chased a bug and then there was 1
1 baby robin decided to stay home (Wiggle last finger)
114) Wiggle fingers
Wiggle fingers. Wiggle So.
(wiggle fingersof both hands)
Wiggle high
(Raise hands above head while wiggling fingers)
Wiggle low.
(LOwer ahnds while wiggle fingers)
Wiggle left.
(Wiggle fingers of left hand. Keep right hand still)
Wiggle right.
(Wiggle fingers of right hand . Keep left hand still.)
Wiggle fingers out of sight.
(Move both hands behind back while wiggling fingers.)
115) "Nature Friendly" Bumble Bee Song
(cup hands)
I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee
Won't my mommy be so proud of me
I'm bringing home my baby bumble bee
Ouch! it stung me!
open up hands)
I'm letting go of the baby bumblebee
Won't my mommy be so proud of me
I'm letting go of the baby bumblebee
(wave good bye)
Bye!!
116) Bear Hunt
Let's go on a bear hunt. (slap hands together)
I see a wheat field.
Can't go over it. Let's go through it. (brush hands together)
I see a bridge.
Can't go around it. Let's go over it. (slap hands together)
I see a lake.
Can't go over it, can't go under it, let's swim. (arms swimming)
I see a tree.
Can't go over it, can't go under it, let's go up it. (climb with arms)
I don't see any bears, (look around)
Let's go down.
I see a swamp.
Can't go over it, can't go under it, let's go through it. (pull hands up and down slowly)
I see a cave.
Can't go over it, can't go under it, let's go in. (slowly slap knees)
I see two eyes. I see two ears.
I see a nose. I see a mouth.
Yikes! It's a bear!!!
Let's get out of here. (reverse movements very fast)
117) Birds Flying
Up, up in the sky, the little birds fly (fingers flying like birds) Down, down in the nest, the little birds rest. (hands form nest)
With a wing on the left, and a wing on the right (hands on each hip)
Let the little birds rest all night. (head to one side, like tucking under wing)
118) My Puppy
My little puppy's name is Rags,
He eats so much that his tummy sags,
His ears flip flop and his tail wig wags,
And when he walks he goes zig zag.
Flip, flop, wig wag, zig zag.
My little puppy likes to play,
He rolls himself in the grass all day,
And when I whistle w-w-w-w-w,
He won't obey,
He always runs the other way.
Flip, flop, wig wag, zig zag,.
Flip, flop, wig wag, zig zag,
Flip, flop, wig wag, zig zag.
119) Piggy Wig and Piggie Wee
Piggie Wig (thumb) and Piggie Wee (other thumb)
Hungry pigs as pigs could be
For their dinner had to wait
Down behind the garden gate (gate made of fingers)
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee (wiggle thumbs as named)
Climbed the barnyard gate to see. (thumbs through fingers)
Peeking through the gate so high
But no dinner could they spy,
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee got down,
Sad as pigs could be,
But the gate soon opened wide
And they scampered forth inside. (hands swing apart, thmbs run)
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
For their dinner ran pell mell
And in the trough both piggies fell. (make trough with hands, thumbs fall in)
120) Five Little Sparrows
Five little sparrows high in a tree (hold one hand up)
The first one said, "Whom do I see?" (point to thumb)
The second one said, "I see the street." (pointer finger)
The third one said, "And seeds to eat." (middle finger)
The fourth one said, "The seeds are wheat." (ring finger)
The fifth one said, "Tweet, tweet, tweet." (little finger)
121) The Woodpecker
The woodpecker pecked out a little round hole (tap left palm with right pointer)
And made him a house in the telephone pole.
One day as I watched he poked out his head. (poke out head)
He had on a hood and a collar of red. (point to head and neck)
When the streams of rain pour out of the sky,
And the flashes of lightening go streaking by
And the big, big wheels of thunder roll (roll arms)
He can snuggle back in his telephone pole.
122) I Was Sitting On A Fencepost.
I was sitting on a fencepost
Chewing my bubblegum. (make smacking noises 7 times)
Playing with my yo-yo (play with an imaginary yo-yo)
Doo Doo Wop
Doo Doo Wop
Doo Doo Wop
When along came Herman and he was this big (put fingers together to show something small)
And I said "Herman, what happened?"
Gulp! I swallowed a bug.
(((Continue making Herman swallow bigger and bigger objects, making him bigger and bigger. End with:)))
I was sitting on a fencepost
Chewing my bubblegum. (make smacking noises 7 times)
Playing with my yo-yo (play with an imaginary yo-yo)
Doo Doo Wop
Doo Doo Wop
Doo Doo Wop
Doo Doo Wop
When along came Herman and he was this big (put fingers together to show something small)
And I said "Herman, what happened?"
Burp! Excuse Me!!!
123) If I Had...
If I had a little (insert color or pattern on child's clothing) box
I'd put my (insert child's name) in.
I'd take him or her out and (put fingers to mouth and make kissing sounds three times)
and put him or her right back in.
124) Five little peas in a pea pod pressed (make a fist)
One grew, two grew, and so did the rest (raise fingers)
They grew and grew and did not stop (stretch fingers wide)
Until one day the pod went pop! (clap hands)
125) Here is the beehive (make a fist)
Where are the bees? (shrug shoulders)
Hidden inside where nobody sees (whisper this)
Soon they'll come creeping, out of the hive (open fingers)
1-2-3-4-5 (lift each finger)
126) Little seed in the ground below (form your bodies into balls)
Felt the heat of the warm sun's glow (rub hands over arms)
Heard the raindrops pitter patter (place hand behind ear)
Wondered why the birds did chatter (place hand on head as if pondering)
So the seed began to grow (begin to rise)
And poked it's head up very slow (lift head)
What it saw was such a sight (rub eyes)
The plant was in a garden bright! (throw arms apart)
127) One, two, three, four, five (raise each finger)
Yellow daisies all alive (wiggle fingers)
Here they are, all in a row (point to raised fingers with other hand)
The sun (move other hand in a circle)
And rain ( "rain" down with fingers of other hand)
Will make them GROW! (shoot daisy hand into the air
128) The Watermelon Patch Song tune: Are you Sleeping?
Watermelon, (Make a circle with your arms.)
Watermelon,
On the vine, (Curve hands and arms beside body.)
On the vine,
Sweet and red and juicy, (Rub your tummy.)
Sweet and red and juicy,
Please be mine! (Palms together as though pleading.)
Please be mine!
Watermelon, (Make a circle with your arms.)
Watermelon,
Thump, thump, thump, (Make a thumping movement with thumb and middle
finger.)
Thump, thump, thump,
I think you are ready- (Point, resting finger on your temple.)
I think you are ready-
Big and plump! (Make a circle with your arms.)
Bug and plump!
129) The Parade
Clap your hands (clap hands)
Stamp your feet. (stamp feet)
A parade is comming down the street. (shade eyes with hand, looking down the street)
Rum-tum-tum
booms the big red drum. (beat imaginary drum)
Root-toot-toot tweets the little flute. (blow imaginary flute)
Bong-bong-bong clangs the big brass gong. (hit imaginary gong)
Clap your hands. (clap hands)
Stamp your feet. (stamp feet)
A parade is marching down the street. (shade eyes with hand,looking
down the street)
130) At The Seashore
Holding up a seashell (hold fist tightly to ear)
Tightly to my ear.
Shh! It's telling me a secret (Other hand holds finger to lips),
That only I can hear!
131) Bright Sun Sung to: Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Bright sun shining down (Spread fingers and move slowly downward)
Shining on the ground.
What a lovely face you have, (Make a large circle in front of face with
arms)
Yellow, big and round.
132) Swimming
I can dive. (Move hands flattened together.)
I can swim. (Swimming motion.)
I can float. (Hands out to side with head thrown back.
I can fetch.
But dog paddle. (Paddle like dog.)
Is the stroke that I do best.
133) Summer Days...
In the summer when days are hot, (Wipe forehead)
I like to find a shady spot, (Sit)
And hardly move a singls bit (Do not move a muscle)
And sit, and sit, and sit, and sit.
134) Summer Transition...
These are my sun glasses. (circle eyes with fingers)
This is my great sun hat. (Hands over head)
This is the way I fold my hands (Fold hands)
And rest them, just like that. (Place hands into lap)
135) Pack the paper plates and napkins. (Pretend to pack)
Don't forget the food and drink: (Shake head no)
Hot dogs, potato salad, cake, and lemonade pink.
It's fun to go on a picnic.
I simply cannot wait
To eat and play, have fun all day, (Rub stomach)
And get home very late. (Yawn)
136) Swimming...
Swimming in the water cool and bright, (Pretend to swim)
I kick my feet with all my might. (Kick feet)
And when I'm tired I float, (Pretend to float)
Pretending that I'm a boat.
I like to hold my breath and dive. (Pretend to dive)
I swim beneath the water and count to five. (Hold breath and count to five on fingers)
Wow! What a dive!
137) Fishing...
Picked up a wiggly worm, placed it on a hook.
Drop the line so gently into the bubbling brook. (Pretend to be
fishing)
Shhh I see a little fish nibbling at the bait. (Put finger up to
mouth)
He tugged upon the line, and the worm he ate! (Pretend to tug and then
open and close hands)
Flannel Board Stories
1) The Egg Who Couldn't Decide
Once upon a time there was a little egg named Benedict(put up white egg) who didn't know what color he wanted to be for Easter. He said, "I've always liked the color of trees. Perhaps I should be a green
egg.(change to green egg) But then again, I like the color of carrots.
Maybe I should be orange.(change to orange) Of course, the color of water is very pretty too, I wonder how I would look if I were blue?" (change to blue)
And then he thought of a duck in a meadow and decided there and then to
be a yellow egg. (change to yellow) But the next moment a great big
fire truck came racing by and Benedict said, "That's the color for me -
I'll be a red egg."(change to red) A moment later he saw a squirrel
eating a bunch of grapes. Now which should I be , brown like a
squirrel, or purple like grapes? (change to brown and then purple)Oh
dear, oh dear," said Benedict, "I can't make up my mind. All these
colors are so pretty."
Just then, who should appear but the Easter Bunny.(add bunny piece)
"Don't worry, Benedict," he said. "I know just what to do." And what he did made Benedict very happy!!!
What do you think the Easter Bunny did? (see if the kids can guess, and
then present one egg with all the pretty colors on it)
After doing the story several times, it's fun to let the kids take turns telling it themselves to the rest. Gives them some self confidence without them even knowing it!
2) At the Zoo
Once there was a monkey who climbed out of his tree one day and looked
around. He decided that there would be more animal friends to see if he
went to the ZOO so off he went.
The first animal he saw was a bear. He said Mr. bear, which way to the
Zoo (voice goes up. ) The bear said I DON'T KNOW. Let us ask Mr. zebra.
The bear and the monkey went to the zebra and asked. Mr. Zebra which
way to the Zoo? I don't know, lets go ask . . . . elephant, penguin,
lion, giraffe, etc.
At the end they all go to the wise old owl. Mr. Owl which way to the
zoo they all ask.? The owl replies "silly animals you are already at the zoo!"
3) Colored Birds Flannel Board Story:
Make a tree with no leaves. Big enough to fit your flannel board Make
birdies one each of red, yellow, green, purple, orange, blue, black,
brown. You can make two or tree of each color so each child will have
one.
Give each child a colored birdie. Place the tree on the flannel board
song
Little Red bird in the tree
in the tree, in the tree
Little Red bird in the tree
Sing me a song.
The child or children who have a red bird
Places the bird on the tree and sings Tweet Tweet.
This is great for younger children to learn their colors. I find the
older children love it as they get to hold a bird and place it on the
tree.
4) The Mouse And The Apple - By Stephen Butler
One day MOUSE saw a lovely ripe apple on the apple tree. It was red and
shiny, and it looked delicious. Mouse waited for the apple to fall.
Along came HEN.
Hello, Mouse! What are you doing?
I am waiting for the apple to fall, said Mouse.
That is a good idea, said Hen hopefully. I will wait with you.
So Mouse and Hen waited for the apple to fall.
Along came GOOSE.
Hello, Mouse! Hello, Hen! What are you doing?
We are waiting for the apple to fall, said Hen.
Apples are my favorite, said Goose greedily. I will wait with you.
So Mouse, Hen and Goose waited for the apple to fall.
Along came GOAT.
Hello, Mouse! Hello, Hen! Hello, Goose!
What are you doing?
We are waiting for the apple to fall, said Goose.
I love apples, said Goat hungrily. I will wait with you.
So Mouse, Hen, Goose and Goat waited for the apple to fall.
Along came COW.
Hello, Mouse! Hello, Hen! Hello, Goose!
Hello, Goat!
What are you doing?
We are waiting for the apple to fall, said Goat.
I was just thinking about apples, said cow, licking her lips. I will
wait with you. So Mouse, Hen, Goose, Goat and Cow all waited for the apple to fall.
They waited. And they waited. And they waited.
Mouse waited patiently, but Cow, Goat, Goose and Hen soon grew
restless. They thought up
ways to make the apple fall.
I will fly up and knock it down, said Hen and she ran towards the tree,
flapping her wings. But she tripped and fell on her beak with a bump.
I will honk it down, said Goose. He opened his beak wide. Honk! Honk!
Honk! But the apple didn't move.
I will butt it down, said Goat. He ran at the tree and butted it as hard as he could. But the apple didn't budge.
I have got a good idea! cried Cow. She jumped up and down on all four
hoofs. The tree trembled and the apple began to quiver.
Everybody jump! cried Cow, jumping up and down. Goat jumped up and down. Goose jumped up and down. Hen jumped up and down.
The tree shook and the apple wobbled, but still the apple did not fall.
Meanwhile, Mouse waited patiently.
Let's go, said Cow grumpily. That apple is probably rotten anyway.
Or sour, said Goat.
Or hard, said Goose.
Or soft, said Hen.
Now only Mouse was left. All of a sudden the shiny red apple fell to the ground with a plop!
It wasn't rotten or sour or hard or soft. It was the crunchiest,
sweetest, most delicious apple Mouse had ever tasted!
5) Colored Ghosts
Once there was a WHITE ghost named __________ who was very hungry. He
looked in the refrigerator and found a banana. He ate it and turned
YELLOW.
The ghost was still hungry so he ate an apple and he turned RED.
The ghost became very thirsty so he drank some chocolate milk and he
turned BROWN.
The ghost really liked vegetables so he ate a carrot and turned ORANGE.
He also ate a pepper and turned GREEN.
The ghost was tired after eating so much food that he thought he would
have one more drink so he drank some milk and he turned WHITE once
again.
This flannel board story can be as short or as long as you like. Just
change the ghost every time he eats some food. Have the children say
the color that the ghost changes into.
Use Brown Bear Brown Bear - with transportation Or use: White
snowman, white snomwan what do you see? I see blue mittens, brown sled.
pink hat, red boots, scarf and tobaggon etc. looking at me.
Also for Woodland animals use brown bear once again and he is looking
at different animals - skunk, raccoon, deer etc.
6) Five Green & Speckled Frogs
You'll need to cut out a "speckled" log and 5 "speckled" frogs and some
"most delicious" bugs and a pool of water....
Five green & speckled frogs
Sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs. (Yum Yum)
One jumped into the pool
Where it was nice and cool
Then there were four green speckled frogs. (Glub Glub)
(Repeat til there are no green speckled frogs)
7) Blue Bird, Blue Bird
Here is one. It comes out of the book 123 colors. Cut our a nice size
bird of each color. Make a tree trunk and branches also out of brown.
You could add green leaves if you want. The poem goes like this-
Blue bird; blue bird high in a tree, how many blue things can you see?
You do that for each color. You could place colored flannel cutouts
after you repeat the poem or let the kids look around the room to find colored things.
8) Brown Bear, Brown Bear
This flannel board activity is easy for 2-3 year olds to follow and
helps teach colors. I use it throughout the year with different themes.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See? - (adapted from the book by
Bill Martin Jr.)
Cut each animal out of felt. Place each animal on the board as they
are mentioned. Afterwards leave the pieces out so the children can
retell it themselves.
Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?
I see a blue bird looking at me.
Blue bird, blue bird, what do you see?
I see a black cat looking at me.
Black cat black cat, what do you see?
I see a green frog looking at me.
Green frog, green frog, what do you see?
I see a yellow duck looking at me.
Yellow duck, yellow duck, what do you see?
I see a red fish looking at me.
Red fish, red fish, what do you see?
I see some children looking at me.
Variations: Use sea creatures: an orange star fish, a blue sea horse, a green octopus, a pink lobster, a red fish, etc. At Halloween, use a
black cat, a white ghost, a green witch, an orange Jack O Lantern.
Use woodland animals for a forest unit and farm animals for a farm
unit.
9) Mixed Up Clown
Make a big Clown Face, Put eyes, and Mouth on it. Cut out many different shapes of different colors. Make One Big Round Red Nose this is what the children will be looking for.
What makes this flannel board fun is that you are making mistakes. Went
you put the clown on the flannel board tell the children they are
looking for A BIG ROUND RED NOSE. I start out with Clancy saying hello
and ask the children to help him find his Big Red Round Nose as he has
a show to do. Have all the shapes pieces hiding behind the flannel
board. as you put the different shapes on the board the children will tell you if it is the right shape. Keep putting the wrong shapes on clancy. The children quickly learn their shapes and colors play until the children are still interested.
10) FIVE LITTLE APPLES
Five little apples hung on a tree...
The farmer didn't care
So guess who came to eat?
A CATERPILLAR.......MUNCH, MUNCH
Four little apples hung on a tree...
The farmer didn't care
So guess who came to eat?
A BIRD.........MUNCH, MUNCH
Three little apples hung on a tree...
The farmer didn't care
So guess who came to eat?
A PIG..........MUNCH,MUNCH
Two little apples hung on a tree
The farmer didn't care
So guess who came to eat?
A HORSE.......MUNCH,MUNCH
One little apple hung on a tree
The farmer didn't care
So guess who came to eat?
A SCARECROW......MUNCH,MUNCH
Now the tree is bare
There are no more apples there
But when next fall comes around
Guess who'll be there?
THE CATERPILLAR
THE BIRD
THE PIG
THE HORSE
and the SCARECROW
YUM!YUM!
(Note: this is a commercial story purchased from Nasco. It came with
the flannel board pieces already printed. If I were writing this, I
would substitute something else for "Scarecrow". Every time I use this, somebody says "But the scarecrow couldn't eat!!!") Also the actual ending is : "Now the tree is bare, And life can seem unfair, But when next winter comes around, Guess who'll be there?" The figures are really cute, but I don't like some of the text. That's why I adapted, as above. If you say it aloud you will soon find that it has a rhythm that the kids soon pick up on. It's fun!!!
11) The First Teddy Bear
You will need a brown teddy bear body, two legs, two arms, four paws,
Scotty dog head, a horse's head, an elephant's head, a rooster's head, a pig's head, round brown circle for head, black nose, two black eyes, and a red mouth and two ears.
Once upon a time there was a Great Toy Maker who created all kinds
of toys to please boys and girls. Each day the Toy Maker worked on a
new toy. As the toy was finished, it gave him great joy. One day, as he
sat at his work bench, he picked up some soft brown fur. "This would
make a lovely toy," he said. So he made a fat chubby body of soft brown
fur. (Put body on the flannel board).
Next he made two long, brown, furry legs. (Add the legs to the
body on the flannel board).
Then the Toy Maker made two short, brown, furry arms. (Put the
arms on the figure taking form on the flannel board).
Lastly, he added a little tan paw to each arm and leg. (Add the
paws).
Then the Toy Maker stepped back to see what he had made.
Something was missing. "Of course, the head!" he said. And the Toy
Maker thought: "What sort of head should I give this toy?" He finally
thought out loud. "Perhaps one like I used on the Scotty dog would do."
So he put it on the fat, furry body. (Put a Scotty dog head on the
flannel board figure).
As he stood back to look at his toy, he shook his head, "No, that
Scotty's head won't do at all!" He tried a horse's head on the furry
body. (Put the horse's head on the figure).
He still wasn't satisfied. Next, he tried an elephant's head.
(Put the elephant's head on the figure).
He knew, as he stepped back and considered the toy, that the
elephant's head wouldn't do either. It just didn't look right on that
fat brown body. Then he tried a rooster's head. (Put the rooster's head
on the figure).
And a pig's head. (Put the pig's head on the figure).
Then he said, "It is very plain to see that this new toy must have his own special head." So he made a large furry, brown ball, and on this he put: a black, shiny nose, two black eyes and, a round
cherry-red mouth. Last of all, he added: two brown, furry ears!
"Now I think that will be all! said the Toy Maker. As he stepped
back to look at his newest toy, he smiled; then broke into a laugh! He
laughed and laughed, until the tears spilled out of his eyes and fell
down over his cheeks. This was a happy day to the Great Toy Maker, for
he had just made the very First Teddy Bear!
*In one of my college courses, they suggested tracing around the
pictures in a favorite book, like "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". You
color them, add felt pieces to the back, and wa la, a familiar story
for the flannelboard
*at Halloween, I made a BIG pumpkin and then cut out all sorts of
DIFFERENT eyes, eyebrows,
noses, mouths all in black so children could mix and match the faces of
their choice
12) One of my favorite things to do is turn kids books into flannel
stories. One of my dck's favorite is from a book titled "Stop That
Pickle". I made all the characters in the book out of flannel pieces.
We then do the book and flannel board together. The kids love to put the pieces up themselves.
The next one I want to make will be for the "Rainbow Fish".
You can get a head start on holiday flannel pieces too. Cut out
Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas shapes
13) We have the alphabet, numbers, shapes, weather symbols, etc. Also cut pictures of babies or anything out of magazines & attach felt to the back. The kids love it. Right now, mine are into the shapes, they put the different shapes together to make a picture.
14) Other flannel board stories you can make are:
Brown bear, Brown bear......
Goldilocks and the three Bears
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly......
Little Red Hen
The Green Grass Grew All Around.....(song)
Caps For Sale
You can also take leftover felt scraps and cut them into lots of
different shapes and sizes for them to make up their own pictures using shapes like squares, circles, etc.
15) Fish With The Deep Sea Smile -
A poem by Margaret Wise Brown patterns for accompanying felt board
pieces can be found in Flannel Board Story Telling, by Judy Sierra
They fished and they fished
Way down in the sea, down in the sea a mile.
They fished among all the fish in the sea,
For the fish with the deep sea smile.
One fish came up from the deep of the sea
>From down in the sea a mile,
It had blue-green eyes, and whiskers three
But never a deep sea smile.
One fish came up from the deep of the sea,
>From down in the sea a mile,
With electric lights up and down his tail
But never a deep sea smile
They fished and they fished
Way down in the sea, Down in the sea a mile,
They fished among all the fish in the sea,
For the fish with the deep sea smile.
One fish came up with terrible teeth,
One fish with long strong jaws.
One fish came up with long stalked eyes,
One fish with terrible claws.
They fished all thru the ocean deep
For many and many a mile
And they caught a fish with a laughing eye,
But none with a deep sea smile.
And then one day they got a pull,
>From down in the sea a mile.
And when they pulled the fish into the boat,
He smiled a deep sea smile.
And as he smiled the hook got free,
And then, what a deep sea smile!
He flipped his tail and swam away,
Down in the sea a mile!
I have the felt board pieces for this traced from Judy Sierra's book. I tell the story poem once to the children using the felt board pieces.
Then we have a discussion of same/different things about the various
fish, letting the children come up with the categories for sorting and
re-sorting. Then I suggest that I read it again and the children act
out the poem as I am reading it. I ask them to show me fishermen
fishing together and use hands, bodies, and facial expressions to
express the fishermen and fish characters. We practice miming each fish, taking bait and the fishermen reeling you in.
There Are So Many Fish
Have many different colored felt fish
There are so many fish in the deep blue sea
What color fish does (child's name) see?
(child says the color while removing the fish from the feltboard)
Making flannel boards and pieces:
1) a purchased chalkboard gives you 2 workable surfaces with only the
storage concerns of the chalkboard on one side, with a flannelboard
surface attached to the back
2) careful applying the glue ... other flannel felt pieces will not
*stick* very well to glue soaked flannel or felt - stretch it taunt and glue around the edges
3) you can use coloring books for tracing pics onto felt pieces to make
some extra characters
4) remember that fingerplay poems often translate well to flannelboard
5) the foam type dryer fabric softener sheets can be glued on to the back of non-felt/flannel pieces to transform them into flannelboard pieces ... or small scraps of your flannel/felt leftover from cutting out display pieces... just remember to be careful with the glue
6) if you are taking a lot of time to cut out and create any paper pieces, consider laminating them or covering with clear contact paper on the top side for durability. Leave the back side free to glue on the
flannel/felt/dryer sheet foam ...
7) Making a box flannel board:
~First I cover the outside of the entire box and top of lid with a solid color contact paper ... or just clear contact paper if the box doesn't have any writing on it ...
~Inside the lid, I stretch and glue a sheet of felt
~Inside the front half of the box, I insert *hanging* file folders and
within those I put individual folders for the dcks, the food program,
state requirements, lesson plans, etc.
~At the back of the boxes, I usually have two shoe boxes ... also
decorated and covered with contact paper for durability over the years
... although I am the primary person that gets into these
~Inside one shoe box I put a couple colors of *dry erase* markers and a
few folded paper towels. These are used for writing key points,
announcements or pictures on the outside of the box ... wiping them off
with the paper towels (which need to be replenished every now and then).
~Also, a couple regular (not old fashioned) clothespins. With these I
can attach pictures, artwork or lists to any one of the four sides of
the box...
~I also keep color crayons, regular markers, paper clips, brads, glue
sticks, stickers, etc. all in the box for projects we might be doing
~In the other shoe box I keep felt shapes, felt numbers, a couple of
body shapes and varied pieces in the shapes of shoes, hair, clothes, or
the felt pieces I may need to tell the stories I've planned and for the
children to retell stories or create their own
8) You can also do this with facing(is that what it's called) you iron it or sew it on clothes to make them stiff. Its very see through for
tracing then you just color it in and it will stick to your board. I
also refuse to let children have ripped or written in books so when this happens I will take the book cut it up laminate the character's and stick felt on the back for a flannel board story.
9) If you don't want to glue the flanel to the board just buy a big peice and throw over the board or over an easel. You will need about 2 yards of flannel or felt. I did this and it works great. I also bought
several pieces in different colors to change scenery.
10) if a story book of yours is becoming to the unusable state, maybe you can still salvage some of the main characters of the story, cut them out and glue them onto felt or flannel. Then you can still keep that story book alive! :)
11) I turn our favorite picture books into stories. It is a great way to save torn and/or hard to replace books. I cut out simple patterns for the characters and use art supplies to decorate them. Really brings them to life and makes them a little three dimensional. This is also a great activity for your school age children if you have them in care.
12) Fabric backed with fusible interfacing will feed through an ink jet
printer. Printed pieces can be cut out and will stick to felt. I used a
cotton broadcloth. Ink bleeds a little but results are pretty good. Fusing almost eliminates fraying. Flannel would probably be a better choice of fabric. Felt was too thick for this.
13) Pre-stiffened felt will run through an ink jet printer. I purchased 11 x 17 sheets at Michael's on sale for 50 cents each. The sheet thickness varies and not all the pieces I purchased would feed. Ink bleeds a little, colors come out a bit faded, and regular un-stiffened felt does seem to stick better but I made a set of paper dolls using this technique and overall they came out terrific ! You can download the files to make paper dolls at my web site
14) Here's my favorite: Stiffen fabric by generously spraying fabric with undiluted liquid starch. Iron dry using a moderately hot iron and a dry press cloth. Cut to letter size. Feeds nicely through ink jet printer. Starch keeps colors bright and sharp and minimizes fabric fraying. Does not stick that well to felt but I have tons of other ideas to try out.
15) I have also heard of portable flannel boards you go to a pizza place and ask for some empty boxes. Most times they will donate them. You glue flannel to the top inside of the box and then put the flannel
stories into the box. It stores very well and you can take them down
for rainy day activities. You can also use pizza boxes for individual
chalk board boxes. You just paint the top with chalk board paint and
then store the chalk right in the box.
