Kids love this popular chant and will really enjoy this super simple song! There are a number of storybook versions of this chant available. We suggest introducing this song by reading one of those storybooks first so the children can fully understand what the song is about. Or, watch the above video with them. Then the fun begins....Make a circle with the students. During the intro music you can all move around the circle acting like the silliest monkeys you can! The music is very “monkeyish”!
Lyrics & Gestures
Five little monkeys (Hold up five fingers.)
Jumping on the bed (Jump up and down.)
One fell off (Hold up 1 finger and then roll your hand down towards the floor.)
And bumped his head (Tap your head with your fist.)
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said (Put your pinky and thumb to your ear like a telephone.)
No more monkeys jumping on the bed! (Put one hand on your hip and wag your index finger.)
Four little monkeys (Hold up four fingers.)
Jumping on the bed (Jump up and down.)
One fell off (Hold up 1 finger and then roll your hand down towards the floor.)
And bumped his head (Tap your head with your fist.)
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said (Put your pinky and thumb to your ear like a telephone.)
No more monkeys jumping on the bed! (Put one hand on your hip and wag your index finger.)
Three little monkeys (Hold up three fingers.)
Jumping on the bed (Jump up and down.)
One fell off (Hold up 1 finger and then roll your hand down towards the floor.)
And bumped her head (Tap your head with your fist.)
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said (Put your pinky and thumb to your ear like a telephone.)
No more monkeys jumping on the bed! (Put one hand on your hip and wag your index finger.)
Two little monkeys (Hold up two fingers.)
Jumping on the bed (Jump up and down.)
One fell off (Hold up 1 finger and then roll your hand down towards the floor.)
And bumped his head (Tap your head with your fist.)
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said (Put your pinky and thumb to your ear like a telephone.)
No more monkeys jumping on the bed! (Put one hand on your hip and wag your index finger.)
One little monkey (Hold up one finger.)
Jumping on the bed (Jump up and down.)
She fell off (Hold up 1 finger and then roll your hand down towards the floor.)
And bumped her head (Tap your head with your fist.)
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said (Put your pinky and thumb to your ear like a telephone.)
No more monkeys jumping on the bed! (Put one hand on your hip and wag your index finger.)
Activities
Between verses, move around with the children in a circle acting like monkeys. In the music at these sections there are some sound cues that could be used to imitate monkeys such as monkey “oo, oo, oos”, and beating on chest like a gorilla, or a head-scratching sound. Listen for them, use your imagination, and have fun!
