The Falling Spider Song
The falling spider song is also commonly referred to as the Itsy Bitsy Spider or the Insy Winsy Spider. This popular song originated around the year of 1920 in Southern California. Upon the creation of its modern lyrics it became popular nationwide within the United States.
How Are the Itsy Bitsy Spider Lyrics presented To Children?
The itsy bitsy spider lyrics are presented to children as a finger play type of nursery rhyme. The lyrics for the Itsy Bitsy Spider are simple to remember and tell a story of the spider climbing up but rain washing him down a water spout. The variations of The Itsy Bitsy Spider are minimal. In some cases it will be recited as the Insy Winsy Spider. Both variations imply that the spider is of a smaller stature.
What Does The Itsy Bitsy Spider Teach Children?
This popular preschool aged rhyme helps children in many ways. The first way that this rhyme helps children is by teaching them cause and effect. The spider climbs up a spout but then when the water falls it causes the spider to wash out of the spout. Secondly, this rhyme teaches children directions. Many music classes and nursery school classes will have the children stand or raise their arms for the “up” part of the rhyme and then sit or point their arms and hands down for the “down” part of the rhyme. The third educational point of this song is weather. Children learn that rain washes away things but the sunshine will dry things out.
What Are The Hand Motions To This Popular Nursery Rhyme?
Children will often sit or stand in a circle when the nursery rhyme is being taught to them. The teacher will have them touch their thumbs together and then have their hands rotate movement in an upward style. First the right hand will rise a bit and then the left hand will rise. The connection between the thumbs is never separated. This recreates the “spider” The children will make the spider movement while they are reciting the lyrics. Their “spider” moves upward as the spider in the rhyme climbs up the water spout. The children will then separate their hands and wiggle their fingers. While the children are wiggling their fingers they will bring both hands down in front of them. This depicts rainfall. The children will recite the portion about rainfall while they are making this motion. The next motion includes children holding their arms up above their heads to form a circle. This makes the sun. This is also a great stretch to keep the children moving. The children will bring their arms up to make a circle above their heads while reciting the portion about the sun coming out. These motions help children to remember verses in conjunction with their movements.
The Itsy Bitsy Spider is a popular and fun nursery rhyme that has been mostly used in song and play groups across the United States. This fun rhyme incorporates hand play, movements and rhymes with a catchy tune that keeps children entertained and enlightened.