"Where is Thumbkin" is an English-language nursery rhyme, action song, and children's song of American origin.[1] The song is sung to the tune of "Frère Jacques". The song and actions have long been used in children's play, and in teaching in nursery, pre-school and kindergarten settings, as it uses simple and repetitive phrases, and tactile, visual and aural signals.[2][3]
| Where is Thumbkin | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| Genre | Children's song |
| Language | English |
| Composed | Unknown |
| Published | United States |
Lyrics edit
The song's most common lyrics are:
Where is thumbkin?
Where is thumbkin?
Here I am!
Here I am!
How are you today sir?
Very well I thank you!
Run AWAY!
Run AWAY!
Actions edit
One action is performed for each line of the song.
Child holds hands behind back and sings
"
Brings one hand to front and sings
Brings other hand to front and sings
Wiggles first thumb and sings
Wiggles second thumb and sings
Moves first hand back behind back and sings
Moves second hand back behind back and sings
See also edit
Further reading edit
- Untiedt, Kenneth L. (2005). Untiedt, Kenneth L. (ed.). Inside the classroom (and out): how we learn through folklore. Publications of the Texas Folklore Society. Denton, TX: University of North Texas Press. pp. 31–32. ISBN 978-1-57441-202-4. Retrieved 2024-02-16 – via Project Muse.
References edit
- ^ "Where is Thumbkin? – USA". Mama Lisa's World of Children and International Culture.
- ^ Lyons, Mary Frances (1937). "Teaching Good Usage in the Kindergarten". The Elementary English Review. 14 (3): 96–100 – via JSTOR.
- ^ Welsch, Roger (1966). "Nebraska Finger Games". Western Folklore. 25 (3): 173–194. doi:10.2307/1498819 – via JSTOR.
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