Table of Contents
Five Little Monkeys is a peppy and energetic counting rhyme for children that follows a group of playful monkeys who keep jumping on the bed, despite being told not to. The rhyme introduces children to the world of numbers and instructions. Children enjoy its rhythmic repetition and fun storyline, which makes them giggle while learning. The rhyme also supports early learning by strengthening number recognition, sequencing, memory, and listening skills, making it a favourite during circle time, bedtime, and preschool lessons. In addition to these skills, another most significant lesson children take away from this beautiful nursery rhyme is that the monkeys, like children, should listen to their mama and the doctor, who offer guidance in children’s best interests!
Five Little Monkeys Song Lyrics
The cheerful Five Little Monkeys words introduce children to a playful counting story that keeps them excited as the monkeys jump, tumble, and learn along the way.
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell down and bumped his head,
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
Four little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell down and bumped his head,
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
Three little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell down and bumped her head,
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
Two little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell down and bumped his head,
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
One little monkey jumping on the bed,
She fell down and bumped her head,
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
Put those monkeys back to bed!
Other Versions of the Five Little Monkeys Song
Many fun variations of this rhyme have been created over the years, keeping its playful counting style but changing settings or actions. These versions help kids enjoy the rhyme in new ways while still learning numbers and sequencing.
Version 1: Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree
Five little monkeys sitting in a tree,
Teasing Mr. Crocodile, “You can’t catch me!”
Along came the crocodile, quiet as can be,
And SNAP! That monkey right out of the tree!
Version 2: Five Little Monkeys Washing the Car
Five little monkeys washing the car,
Scrubbing and scrubbing—working hard!
One got splashed and slipped too far,
Now four little monkeys washing the car!
Gestures – How to Teach Five Little Monkeys to Kids
Try these easy, playful actions to make the rhyme more interactive and help children remember the sequence. They are perfect for both classroom activities and learning at home.
- Hold up five fingers and wiggle them to show the “monkeys.”
- Bounce your hand up and down to show the monkeys “jumping on the bed.” After the line, ‘Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,’ children may even bounce at their places on the floor and bounce while saying, ‘jump, jump, jump.’
- Tap your head gently when the monkey “bumps his head.”
- Pretend to hold a phone to call the doctor.
- Shake your finger side to side when saying, “No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”
- Fold hands like sleeping to show the monkeys finally going to bed.
History & Quick Facts
The Five Little Monkeys rhyme is believed to have evolved from the earlier folk song, “Shortnin’ Bread,” which dates back to the 19th century in the United States. Over time, storytellers and educators adapted the playful counting theme into the modern rhyme we love today. Although the exact author is unknown, the rhyme became widely published in children’s books and audio collections during the mid-1900s. Its repetitive structure, animal characters, and humorous storyline helped it spread quickly across preschools and homes, making it one of the most popular counting songs for young children.
Interesting Facts
- The rhyme is part of the traditional American children’s song family.
- It is often used in preschool classrooms for early math lessons.
- The song has many playful variations, including tree, bed, and car versions.
- It appears in picture books, animated videos, and counting toys.
- The tune is simple and repetitive, making it easy for toddlers to learn.
- It has been translated into many languages due to its global popularity.
Suitable Age & Learnings
This rhyme is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, especially children aged 2 to 5 years. It helps young learners explore numbers, actions, and storytelling in a joyful way.
Kids Learn:
- Children learn to count backwards from five, which helps them understand number order in a fun and memorable way.
- They begin understanding cause and effect as each monkey jumps, gets hurt, and receives a response from the doctor.
- The rhyme helps in improving listening and memory skills because kids repeat the lines and remember what happens next.
- It supports learning simple sequencing as children follow the pattern of five, four, three, two, and one monkey.
- Kids start expanding their vocabulary by learning new words like “monkey,” “doctor,” “bump,” and “jumping.”
- They also learn the valuable lesson of listening to their mama as she looks out for their betterment,
- The rhythm of the song helps children build coordination and rhythm as they match movements with the beat and actions of the rhyme.
FAQs
1. What is the rhyming scheme of Five Little Monkeys?
The rhyme generally follows the AABB pattern, with repeated lines creating a rhythmic and predictable structure. The simple, easy-to-understand flow of this song helps children memorise it quickly.
2. What moral lesson do children take from this nursery song?
Children receive the moral lesson of listening to their parents and elders. It also teaches children that every action has a reaction. Because they didn’t listen to their mama and the doctor, the monkeys fell from the bed and hurt themselves.
Five Little Monkeys is a jovial counting rhyme that blends fun with learning, making it a favourite among toddlers, parents, and teachers. Its zippy rhythm and repetitive structure help kids grasp numbers naturally while enjoying playful storytelling. With simple actions and catchy lines, it works wonderfully at home or in the classroom. Whether used for learning or play, this cheerful rhyme always brings smiles and giggles. Keep singing this nursery rhyme and fill the memory jar with laughter and learning.
Happy Rhyming!
Explore Other Rhymes for Kids:
Three Blind Mice Rhyme With Lyrics
Baa, Baa, Black Sheep Rhyme With Lyrics
Mary Had a Little Lamb Rhyme With Lyrics
