Wheels on the Bus
This popular song was written sometime in the late 20th century and it follows the same tune as “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.” “Wheels on the Bus” is great for keeping youngsters entertained on long car or bus rides. Its repetitive structure describes what the bus sounds like as it travels “all through the town.” Kids sing about the horn, the windshield wipers, and of course the wheels, as well as the bus passengers.
Itsy Bitsy Spider
In England, this rhyme is called “Incy Wincy Spider”. It tells the story of an industrious little spider who’s trying to make its way up a water spout but gets flushed out by the rain. Thankfully, the sun comes out so the spider is able to try again! Part of the fun of this song comes from the accompanying hand motions: you and your children can act out the spider along its journey.
Hokey Pokey
“You put your right hand in, you put your right hand out…” The “Hokey Pokey” song has a lively dance to go along with it, so it’s perfect for getting restless kids to burn off some extra energy!
The history behind the “Hokey Pokey” is a lot more complex. It’s said to have its roots in the song “I Put My Little Hands In,” which itself was inspired by the English/Scots folk dance called “Hinkim-Booby.” The word “hokey pokey” comes from the “hokey pokey men” who sold ice cream in London. In the 1940s, the song was known by a similar name, “The Hokey Cokey,” after the Canadian slang word for “crazy.”
Pat-a-Cake
Probably one of the catchiest children’s rhymes, “Pat-a-Cake” can be dated as far back as the 1600s! The song, where you ask a “baker’s man” to make a cake for your baby, is attributed to Mother Goose, the famous author of children’s poetry. “Pat-a-Cake” isn’t just a song, though: it’s also a fun clapping game!
Row Row Row Your Boat
This song is often believed to have a deeply spiritual meaning because it encourages your children the value of persistence. While the original author of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” is unknown, a similar version was written in the mid-1800s.
There’s a partner game that goes along with the music, with a few different variations. Sit facing your child and rock back and forth while you hold hands. Or have your child snuggle up in your lap and roll backwards together before returning to a sitting position. You can also try standing up and swaying gently back and forth.
Hickory Dickory Dock
“Hickory Dickory Dock” doubles as a way to teach children how to tell time. Its lyrics are either from Native American language, or refer to British history. The motions that go with the song mimic the mouse as it runs up and down the clock.