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Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree is a playful and rhythmic nursery rhyme that tells the story of five cheeky monkeys having fun while teasing a crocodile below. Children love this rhyme because it combines counting, repetition, and a little bit of harmless suspense that keeps them engaged till the end. The simple storyline, along with its catchy tune, makes it easy for kids to remember and sing along. For parents and teachers, this rhyme is a wonderful early learning tool as it helps children practice numbers, listening skills, and sequence understanding. The fun imagery of monkeys swinging and a snapping crocodile also sparks imagination, making storytime more interactive and enjoyable for young learners.
Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree Song Lyrics
This classic counting rhyme is enjoyed by children worldwide, and the Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree words make it easy for kids to follow and sing along.
FIVE little monkeys swinging from a tree
teasing Mr Crocodile
‘You can’t catch me!’
Along came Mr Crocodile
as quietly as can be
and snap! went the crocodile
Then there were…
FOUR little monkeys swinging from a tree
teasing Mr Crocodile
‘You can’t catch me!’
Along came Mr Crocodile
as quietly as can be
and snap! went the crocodile
Then there were…
THREE little monkeys swinging from a tree
teasing Mr Crocodile
‘You can’t catch me!’
Along came Mr Crocodile
as quietly as can be
and snap! went the crocodile
Then there were…
TWO little monkeys swinging from a tree
teasing Mr Crocodile
‘You can’t catch me!’
Along came Mr Crocodile
as quietly as can be
and snap! went the crocodile
Then there was…
ONE little monkey swinging from a tree
teasing Mr Crocodile
‘You can’t catch me!’
Along came Mr Crocodile
as quietly as can be
and snap! went the crocodile
Then there were…
NO little monkeys swinging from a tree…oh no!
Other Versions of the Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree Song
This rhyme has been adapted in small ways to suit different cultures and classrooms.
Some versions replace the crocodile with an alligator, while others change the ending to make it less “snappy” for very young children. In certain adaptations, the monkeys learn a lesson and safely climb back to the tree instead of disappearing. These variations keep the rhyme flexible and suitable for different age groups.
Version 1: Alligator Version
Five little monkeys swinging in a tree,
Teasing Mr. Alligator, “You can’t catch me!”
Along came Mr. Alligator, as quiet as can be,
And SNAP! went the alligator,
Then there were four little monkeys swinging in a tree.
(Repeat, counting down to zero in the same pattern.)
Version 2: Gentle / Safe Ending Version
Five little monkeys swinging in a tree,
Teasing Mr. Crocodile, “You can’t catch me!”
Along came Mr. Crocodile, as quiet as can be,
But the monkeys jumped away,
And climbed back to the tree.
Version 3: Classroom-Friendly Ending
Five little monkeys swinging in a tree,
Teasing Mr. Crocodile, “You can’t catch me!”
Along came Mr. Crocodile, smiling happily,
The monkeys said “Sorry!”
And swung safely in the tree.
Gestures – How to Teach Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree to Kids
Using actions makes this rhyme more fun and helps children learn through movement and play.
- Hold up five fingers to show the five monkeys, helping children visually understand the starting number.
- Swing both arms side to side like monkeys on a tree to match the action in the rhyme.
- Point downwards slowly when mentioning Mr. Crocodile to show where he is waiting.
- Creep hands forward quietly to act out the crocodile coming closer, building excitement.
- Clap hands together on “SNAP!” so kids can join in with a fun, dramatic action.
- Fold one finger down each verse to show counting backward as the monkeys disappear.
History & Quick Facts
Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree is a traditional English-language nursery rhyme with roots in oral storytelling rather than a single known author. It became popular in the 20th century as counting rhymes were widely used in early childhood education. The rhyme was passed down through families, schools, and songbooks, especially in English-speaking countries. Its simple structure, repetitive pattern, and playful warning about teasing made it a favorite among teachers and parents. Over time, it appeared in children’s books, music albums, and preschool programs, helping it remain popular across generations.
Interesting Facts
- The rhyme is often used as a counting-down song, helping children practice numbers in reverse order.
- In some countries, the crocodile is replaced with an alligator or even another animal.
- The tune is simple and flexible, so it’s sometimes sung to different melodies.
- It is commonly included in preschool and kindergarten learning programs worldwide.
- The rhyme has been translated into many languages while keeping the same basic story.
- The playful “SNAP!” moment is especially loved by kids and helps keep their attention.
Suitable Age & Learnings
This rhyme is best suited for toddlers and preschoolers aged 2 to 5 years, as it matches their attention span and learning needs. It supports early childhood development through fun and repetition.
- Counting skills: Children learn to count backward from five in an easy and enjoyable way.
- Listening skills: Repeated lines help kids focus and follow along with the story.
- Memory building: The predictable pattern makes it easier for children to remember the words.
- Language development: Kids pick up new words like “teasing,” “quiet,” and “snap.”
- Cause and effect: The rhyme shows what happens when the monkeys tease the crocodile.
- Motor coordination: Actions and gestures help improve hand and body movement control.
FAQs
1. What is the rhyming scheme of Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree?
The rhyme mainly follows an AABCC pattern, with repeated ending sounds that make it catchy and easy to remember.
2. What do children learn from this rhyme?
Children learn counting, listening, new vocabulary, and simple life lessons through repetition and fun storytelling.
Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree is a timeless nursery rhyme that continues to delight young children and parents alike. Its playful story, catchy rhythm, and counting element make it both entertaining and educational. Through simple words and actions, children learn important early skills without feeling like they are studying. The rhyme also encourages interaction, laughter, and shared moments between kids and adults. With its many versions and easy gestures, it can be adapted to suit different age groups and settings. Overall, it remains a warm and joyful addition to any child’s learning and playtime routine.
