How to Use 5 Little Monkeys to Teach Preschoolers Math
How to Use 5 Little Monkeys to Teach Preschoolers Math.
Building a foundation for your preschooler to understand mathematical principles is so helpful for their educational journey. One way to do this within the everyday moments of life is to teach songs and rhymes that contain math concepts in them. 5 Little Monkeys is a classic song that is perfect for keeping your child entertained while also helping them absorb mathematical concepts.
Lyrics
5 little monkeys swinging in the trees, teasing mr. crocodile, “can’t catch me!”
Along came mr. crocodile, quiet as can be, and SNAP 4 little monkeys swinging in the trees.
4 little monkeys swinging in the trees, teasing mr. crocodile, “can’t catch me!”
Along came mr. crocodile, quiet as can be, and SNAP 3 little monkeys swinging in the trees.
3 little monkeys swinging in the trees, teasing mr. crocodile, “can’t catch me!”
Along came mr. crocodile, quiet as can be, and SNAP 2 little monkeys swinging in the trees.
2 little monkeys swinging in the trees, teasing mr. crocodile, “can’t catch me!”
Along came mr. crocodile, quiet as can be, and SNAP 1 little monkey swinging in the trees.
1 little monkeys swinging in the trees, teasing mr. crocodile, “can’t catch me!”
Along came mr. crocodile, quiet as can be, and SNAP no little monkeys swinging in the trees.
Here is a link to a youtube video.
How to Use 5 Little Monkeys to Teach Preschoolers Math
Strategies to extend learning
For more advanced math, change the song a little. Rather than counting down by one, you will be counting down in increasing amounts. Like so:
10 little monkeys swinging in the trees, teasing mr. crocodile, “can’t catch me!”
Along came mr. crocodile, quiet as can be, and SNAP 9 little monkeys swinging in the trees.
9 little monkeys swinging in the trees, teasing mr. crocodile, “can’t catch me!”
Along came mr. crocodile, quiet as can be, and SNAP! SNAP! 7 little monkeys swinging in the trees.
7 little monkeys swinging in the trees, teasing mr. crocodile, “can’t catch me!”
Along came mr. crocodile, quiet as can be, and SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! 4 little monkeys swinging in the trees.
4 little monkeys swinging in the trees, teasing mr. crocodile, “can’t catch me!”
Along came mr. crocodile, quiet as can be, and SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! No little monkeys swinging in the trees.
There are two main ways to use songs or rhymes like these to teach math concepts. The first one is the implicit concepts that children pick up on. This tracking is so powerful. By being surrounded by numbers and math, children begin to grasp the concepts before they can even put words to them. The second one is by having explicit conversations about the math concepts found in the song or rhyme. Using both strategies will help build a strong mathematical foundation for your child.