The Popping Weasel

Nursery Rhyme History

“The Popping Weasel” or more commonly know as “Pop Goes the Weasel” children’s song has an interesting antiquity and a profound meaning that the family dynamic could prosper from. The reason that it would benefit parents to be in tune with this nursery rhyme is because it is packed filled with cognitive benefits that children succeed with daily. That’s right I said it benefits for the cognitive development in a nursery rhyme with a different beginning. It is said that the earliest forms of this well know melody did not begin with words, but it was merely something for people to” do a jig” to in the 1850’s. This melody also is recognized to have originated in Britain due to researchers finding no earlier documentations of it in any other area. In 1853 we find the first versions of the rhyme with words to it in the USA.

Researchers have dissected reasons as to why the lyrics point to making money transactions involving the pub, weasels, needles and thread of the sort which end with the weasel popping out. The standard meaning that has been repetitive through out the years is that the word weasel is lingo for the term coat and pop is lingo for the term pawn. Hence pawning one’s own coat in exchange to be able to purchase food. Now the lyrics speak to going to the pub and the next thing to happen is pop goes the weasel other wise known as pawning your coat. Interesting life lessons.

What can your child age 0-5 gain from exploring this rhyme?

A child’s mind is powerful and should be handled with care as most good parents would agree. While singing this catchy rhyme with your precious little bundle of joy, take pleasure in knowing that they are being exposed to a very important lesson on how behavior affects the environment. Even at the tender ages of 0-5 years old this understanding will play a rewarding role in their cognitive development.

Could your children develop valuable skills while interacting with this rhyme?

Absolutely yes! Cognitive interaction is developed through sensory and motor skills. Your children ages 0-5 years of age can develop their language skills and response skills while listening to and attempting to sing along as they get older. The repetitive nature of the song teaches the child cause and effect by focusing on doing one thing then another thing happens then doing another thing and that same thing happens again moving forward to repeating a cycle of actions which cause the same outcome.

How can parents and teachers cultivate an atmosphere of learning through this song?

This can go back to the advancement of sensory and motor skills to start. While singing the song to your infant or singing along with your toddler guide their hands to clap and express the imagery of the lyrics. The infant or toddler can learn and associate popping with the word in the song for instance. Overall this simple little nursery rhyme is wonderful for nurturing an atmosphere of bonding, learning and excellence in yours and your children’s life.