The Wheels on the Bus
“The Wheels on the Bus” is a popular nursery rhyme in the Unites States and Canada, as well as Great Britain. It is most recognizable by the first lyric “The wheels on the bus go round and round…” Its structure and the repetitive nature the rhyme makes it easy for children to sing and to participate in a group sing along. It has been a nursery rhyme for years and it helps to teach language and communication when it is sung and practiced in groups. The nursery rhyme is also used as a form of entertainment and occupies kids during the long hours of travel.
History and Origin of “The Wheels on the Bus”
“The Wheels on the Bus” is both a nursery rhyme and American folk song. It is believed to have originated in the mid-twentieth century. It was most likely written earlier than 1939. Songwriter Verna Hills of Boston, Massachusett‘s is credited with writing the endearing children’s nursery rhyme by Milton Bradley’s 1939 book American Childhood. The lyrics are simple and entertaining enough to capture a child’s attention for long periods of time. The lyrics are sung to the same tune as other popular nursery rhymes like “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” and “Buffalo Gals.” Since its original publication “The wheels on the Bus” has been rewritten and published by several people. It has also been sung by recording artists. It was last covered and recorded by singer Mad’Donna and reached the To 40.
Examples of Learning
The nursery rhyme “The wheels of the Bus” has been used to teach shapes and some very early math concepts. In order to teach toddlers, the different shapes print each of the objects mentioned in the nursery rhyme: the bus, tires, wipers, and so on are printed on paper and shown to children. When used for group practice during a sing-along display the corresponding image when singing the nursery rhyme and mentioning the object. The image of the bus and other of its features can be used to teach toddlers to recognize shapes, sizes, and learn size sequencing. To teach how to identify different shapes and sizes print the images in different sizes. This will help to teach between different sized objects and learn how to identify different shapes. Size sequencing not only teaches about objects in different sizes. It helps toddlers practice their communications skills.
Variations
Due to the popularity of “The Wheels on the Bus”, it is been rewritten by different people and there are several variations. People have all written two variations called “All The Little Ducks Go Upside” and “The Fish in the Sea” that is based on Walter Minkel’s version of “The Wheels on the Bus.” These versions were created to be used along with a ukelele and use only two to three chords. Due to the structure, it is easy to adapt or rewrite “The Wheels of the Bus” while using the same tune.