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Itsy Bitsy Spider is a classic nursery rhyme that tells the simple, joyful story of a tiny spider climbing up a water spout. Children love its catchy rhythm, playful finger movements, and easy-to-remember lines. This rhyme also supports early learning by building coordination, vocabulary, and listening skills in a fun, engaging way.
Itsy Bitsy Spider Song Lyrics
Here are the Itsy Bitsy Spider words along with the full rhyme for kids to enjoy:
“The itsy bitsy spider crawled up the water spout.
Down came the rain, and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun, and dried up all the rain,
and the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again”
Other Versions of the Itsy Bitsy Spider Song
Many families enjoy singing this rhyme in different fun variations. Some versions change the spider’s size or mood, making the song even more playful for children.
Popular Alternate Versions:
1. The Angry Angry Spider
The angry angry spider
Climbed up the water spout.
Down came the rain
And washed the spider out.
Out came the sun
And dried up all the rain,
But the angry angry spider
Stomped up the spout again.
2. The Silly Silly Spider
The silly silly spider
Climbed up the water spout.
Down came the rain
And washed the spider out.
Out came the sun
With giggles in the rain,
And the silly silly spider
Wiggled up the spout again.
3. The Happy Happy Spider
The happy happy spider
Climbed up the water spout.
Down came the rain
And washed the spider out.
Out came the sun
To shine so bright again,
And the happy happy spider
Skipped up the spout again.
4. The Itsy Bitsy Kitty
The itsy bitsy kitty
Jumped up the garden gate.
Down came a breeze
And made the kitty wait.
Out came the sun
And warmed the gate again,
So the itsy bitsy kitty
Leaped up the gate again.
5. The Itsy Bitsy Bunny
The itsy bitsy bunny
Hopped down the forest trail.
Along came the wind
And blew him off the rail.
Out came the sun
And lit the path again,
And the itsy bitsy bunny
Hopped down the trail again.
Gestures – How to Teach Itsy Bitsy Spider to Kids
These simple hand movements make the rhyme more fun and help children build coordination and motor skills.
- Touch your thumb and index finger of opposite hands together to form a “climbing spider.”
- Move your fingers upward in a walking motion to show the spider climbing the spout.
- Wiggle fingers downward to show the rain coming down.
- Spread hands wide like the sun shining.
- Bring fingers back together to show the spider drying off.
- Repeat the climbing motion as the spider goes up again.
History & Quick Facts
Itsy Bitsy Spider is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the United States. The earliest known published version appeared around the 1910s under the title “Spider Song.” Over time, the rhyme evolved into the familiar version children know today. It gained popularity through children’s songbooks, early preschool programs, and its simple tune that made it easy to teach and remember.
Interesting Facts
- The rhyme is also known as “Incy Wincy Spider” in many countries.
- It has been translated into several languages around the world.
- The tune is very simple, making it perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
- The spider in the rhyme represents perseverance and trying again after setbacks.
- Many modern adaptations appear in children’s TV shows, books, and animations.
- The playful gestures have become as iconic as the words themselves.
Suitable Age & Learnings
This rhyme is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, typically ages 1 to 5 years. It encourages early language development in an enjoyable, rhythmic way.
Key Learnings for Kids:
- Children learn to recognise simple weather-related words like rain and sun, helping them connect language to everyday experiences.
- They develop fine motor skills by practicing small, coordinated finger movements that mimic the spider’s actions.
- The rhyme helps kids understand sequencing by showing what happens first, what comes next, and what repeats at the end.
- It gently introduces the idea of persistence as the spider tries again after being washed down, encouraging problem-solving and resilience.
- Listening and memory skills improve as children hear the rhyme repeatedly and learn to sing it back.
- Kids build early vocabulary through simple, repetitive phrases that make new words easier to learn and remember.
FAQs
1. What is the rhyming scheme of Itsy Bitsy Spider?
The rhyme uses a simple AABB rhyming scheme, making it easy for young children to follow and remember.
2. Is Itsy Bitsy Spider and Incy Wincy Spider the same rhyme?
Yes. They are the same rhyme with slightly different wording depending on the region, but the tune and meaning remain the same.
Itsy Bitsy Spider remains one of the most loved nursery rhymes because of its gentle rhythm, cheerful message, and fun gestures that delight young learners. It teaches children perseverance in a simple, memorable way. Whether sung at home, in preschool, or during playtime, it brings joy and learning together beautifully. Parents and teachers can enjoy sharing this timeless rhyme with little ones again and again.
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