Turkey in the Straw Nursery Rhyme With Lyrics

Turkey in the Straw Song Lyrics

Here are the popular Turkey in the Straw words that children love to sing along with:

As I was a-goin’
On down the road
With a tired team
And a heavy load
I cracked my whip
And the leader sprung
I says day-day
To the wagon tongue
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Roll ’em up and twist ’em up
A high tuck a-haw
And hit ’em up a tune called
Turkey in the Straw
Went out to milk
And I didn’t know how
I milked the goat
Instead of the cow
A monkey sittin’
On a pile of straw
A winkin’ at
His mother-in-law
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Roll ’em up and twist ’em up
A high tuck a-haw
And hit ’em up a tune called
Turkey in the Straw
I came to the river
And I couldn’t get across
So I paid five dollars
For a big bay hoss
Well, he wouldn’t go ahead
And he wouldn’t stand still
So he went up and down
Like an old saw mill
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Roll ’em up and twist ’em up
A high tuck a-haw
And hit ’em up a tune called
Turkey in the Straw
Did you ever go fishin’
On a warm summer day
When all the fish
Were swimmin’ in the bay
With their hands in their pockets
And their pockets in their pants
Did you ever see a fishie
Do the Hootchy-Kootchy Dance?
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Turkey in the straw
Turkey in the hay
Roll ’em up and twist ’em up
A high tuck a-haw
And hit ’em up a tune called
Turkey in the Straw

Other Versions of Turkey in the Straw Song

There are a few fun variations of this rhyme that keep the same tune but change the words slightly.

Gestures – How to Teach Turkey in the Straw to Kids

Using simple actions can make this rhyme more fun and easier for children to remember. These movements help kids stay engaged and active while learning.

• Clap hands lightly to the rhythm while singing to help children feel the beat of the rhyme.
• Pretend to flap wings like a turkey when saying “turkey in the straw” to make the action playful.
• Walk in place or march slowly to match the tempo of the song.
• Use hand motions to show “rolling” and “twisting” during the line “roll ‘em up and twist ‘em up.”
• Point around playfully during “here and there” to encourage spatial awareness.
• End with a big cheerful pose or jump to make the rhyme exciting and memorable.

History & Quick Facts

“Turkey in the Straw” is a traditional American folk song that dates back to the early 19th century. The tune is believed to have originated from older fiddle music and dance songs, with versions appearing as early as the 1820s. It became widely popular through minstrel shows in the 1800s, where it was performed as lively entertainment. Over time, the song evolved into a children-friendly rhyme with simplified and cheerful lyrics. Although the original composer is not clearly known, the melody has remained iconic and continues to be used in cartoons, ice cream truck music, and classroom activities.

Interesting Facts

• The tune of “Turkey in the Straw” is often used in ice cream truck music, making it familiar to many children.
• The rhyme has been adapted into many playful versions suitable for young learners.
• Its catchy rhythm makes it ideal for dancing, clapping, and movement-based learning.
• The song has roots in traditional fiddle music, which was popular in early American culture.
• It has appeared in cartoons and children’s shows, increasing its popularity worldwide.
• The rhyme is often used in classrooms to teach rhythm, coordination, and listening skills.

Suitable Age & Learnings

This rhyme is best suited for children aged 2 to 6 years as it is simple, rhythmic, and easy to follow. It supports early childhood development through music, movement, and repetition.

• Children learn rhythm and timing as they clap and move along with the beat of the song.
• The rhyme helps improve memory skills through repetition of lines and patterns.
• It introduces new vocabulary related to animals, actions, and sounds in a fun way.
• Kids develop coordination by combining singing with gestures and movements.
• Listening skills improve as children follow the sequence of the rhyme.
• It encourages confidence as children participate in singing and group activities.

FAQs

1. What is the rhyming scheme of Turkey in the Straw?

The rhyme typically follows a simple and repetitive pattern with end rhymes, making it easy for children to remember and sing along.

2. Why do children enjoy Turkey in the Straw?

Children enjoy it because of its lively tune, playful words, and the opportunity to move and act along while singing.

3. Is Turkey in the Straw suitable for classroom learning?

Yes, it is widely used in classrooms to teach rhythm, coordination, and basic language skills in a fun and engaging way.

“Turkey in the Straw” is a timeless nursery rhyme that brings joy through music and movement. Its cheerful rhythm and simple words make it easy for young children to learn and enjoy. The rhyme not only entertains but also supports important early learning skills like memory, coordination, and listening. With gestures and playful actions, it becomes even more engaging for kids. Its rich history adds depth, while modern versions keep it relevant for today’s learners. Whether at home or in the classroom, this rhyme continues to be a delightful way to introduce children to the world of music and language.