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We’re Going On A Bear Hunt is a lively, repetitive rhyme that takes children on an exciting imaginary adventure through different outdoor settings like grass, rivers, and forests. Kids love this rhyme because it feels like a journey where they can chant along, predict what comes next, and join in with actions and sounds. The rhythm and repeated phrases make it easy to remember, while the playful “uh-oh” moments keep little listeners engaged and amused. For early learning, the rhyme supports language development by building listening skills, sequencing, and vocabulary. It also encourages movement, imagination, and confidence as children act out each part of the story. Parents and teachers often enjoy sharing it because it naturally brings storytelling, music, and physical play together in a warm, joyful way.
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Song Lyrics
This well-loved chant is often shared aloud with actions, and the We’re Going On A Bear Hunt words invite children to join the adventure step by step.
We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
I’m not scared
What a beautiful day!
Oh look! It’s some long, wavy grass!
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go around it,
Got to go through it!
We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
I’m not scared
What a beautiful day!
Oh look! It’s a mushroom patch.
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go around it,
Got to go through it!
We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
I’m not scared
What a beautiful day!
Oh look! It’s a wide river.
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go through it,
Got to swim across it.
We’re goin’ on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
I’m not scared
What a beautiful day!
Oh look! A deep, dark cave.
Can’t go over it,
Can’t go under it,
Can’t go through it,
Got to go in it.
Uh, oh! It’s dark in here.
I feel something,
It has lots of hair!
It has sharp teeth!
It’s a bear!
Hurry back through the river,
Back through the mushroom patch,
Back through the long grass
Run in the house and lock the door.
Phew! That was close!
I’m not afraid!
Other Versions of the We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Song
The rhyme has inspired many playful adaptations that keep the same rhythm while adding new twists for children.
1. Dinosaur Hunt Version
We’re going on a dino hunt,
We’re going to see a big one,
What a sunny day,
We’re not scared.
Uh-oh! Tall grass!
Long spiky grass.
We can’t go over it,
We can’t go under it,
Oh no!
We’ve got to go through it!
Uh-oh! A cave!
A dark, rocky cave.
What’s that sound?
Stomp, stomp, ROAR!
It’s a dinosaur!
Run back home,
Shut the door,
Jump into bed,
We’re not going on a dino hunt again!
2. Short Toddler Classroom Version
We’re going on an animal hunt,
We’re going to find a fun one,
What a lovely day,
We’re not scared.
Uh-oh! Grass!
Soft green grass.
Swishy swashy, swishy swashy.
Uh-oh! Water!
Cold blue water.
Splash splosh, splash splosh.
What’s that?
A friendly animal!
Wave hello,
Wave goodbye,
Back to class we go!
3. Musical & Action Version
We’re going on a bear hunt,
Clap, clap, clap,
We’re going to catch a big one,
Tap, tap, tap.
Uh-oh! Mud!
Stomp, stomp, stomp.
Uh-oh! Forest!
Tiptoe, tiptoe.
Listen close,
Drum roll please…
Boom, boom, boom!
It’s a bear!
Sing it loud,
Sing it slow,
What a fun song,
Now we know!
Gestures – How to Teach We’re Going On A Bear Hunt to Kids
Using actions helps children stay focused and makes the rhyme more memorable through movement and play. Simple gestures also support coordination and listening skills as kids follow along.
- March in place with swinging arms to show “going on a bear hunt” and create a sense of adventure.
- Move hands side to side low in front of the body for “long wavy grass” to copy the swishy motion.
- Pretend to swim with arm movements during the river part to act out splashing through water.
- Lift knees high and make squelching sounds for the mud to show how thick and sticky it feels.
- Tiptoe slowly with hands out for the dark forest to build excitement and a little suspense.
- Open arms wide, then freeze with a surprised face when meeting the bear to end the action dramatically.
History & Quick Facts
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt is based on the children’s picture book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. The book was first published in 1989 and quickly became popular for its rhythmic text and interactive storytelling style. Its chant-like repetition made it easy to adapt into a spoken rhyme and group activity. Over time, parents, teachers, and performers around the world began using it as a nursery rhyme with actions. Today, it is a staple in early years classrooms, storytime sessions, and children’s performances.
Interesting Facts
- The rhyme is often performed as a call-and-response, which helps children join in confidently.
- It has been translated into many languages, making it popular with children worldwide.
- The tune used is usually simple and chant-based rather than a fixed melody.
- Teachers love the rhyme because it combines storytelling with physical movement.
- The repeated phrases help children predict words and feel successful when joining in.
- It is commonly used in drama and role-play activities in early learning settings.
Suitable Age & Learnings
This rhyme is ideal for children aged 2 to 6 years and works well for both toddlers and preschoolers. Its simple language and actions make it easy to adapt for different age groups and learning levels.
- Listening skills improve as children pay attention to repeated phrases and changing scenes.
- Language development is supported through new descriptive words like grass, river, and cave.
- Memory skills grow as children recall the order of obstacles in the journey.
- Physical coordination develops through marching, swishing, and other actions.
- Imagination is encouraged as children picture the adventure and act it out.
- Social skills are strengthened when children perform the rhyme together in a group.
FAQs
1. What is the rhyming scheme of We’re Going On A Bear Hunt?
The rhyme mainly uses repetition and rhythm rather than a strict rhyming scheme, making it easy to chant.
2. Why is this rhyme good for group activities?
Its repeated lines and actions allow all children to join in together, building confidence and participation.
3. Can this rhyme be used for learning beyond music time?
Yes, it works well for storytelling, movement play, vocabulary lessons, and imaginative role play.
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt remains a favorite because it blends storytelling, rhythm, and movement in a way children naturally enjoy. The rhyme invites kids to listen carefully, move their bodies, and use their imagination all at once. Its predictable structure helps young learners feel confident as they join in again and again. Parents and teachers appreciate how easily it fits into daily routines, from circle time to playtime. With simple words and engaging actions, it supports early learning without feeling like a lesson. Sharing this rhyme creates joyful moments of connection, laughter, and learning that children remember fondly.
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