Language focus: Simple actions (walking, hop, running, stop, tiptoe, jump, swimming, sleep.

Classroom benefits: Like Seven Steps, this is another classic “get moving” song. Kids will ask for this one again and again. We use Walking Walking in our classes quite frequently when kids want to get up and MOVE. This song really ends with a bang, and kids will be a little tuckered out when it’s over. A good choice to use before a quiet time activity. We’ve added some actions (tiptoe, jump, swim, sleep) to spice up the traditional version.

Preparation: This is another easy one…just follow the actions in the song! Everybody moves in a circle. Encourage everyone to sing with a BIG VOICE.

Lyrics & actions:

Walking, walking. Walking, walking.
*Hop, hop, hop. Hop, hop, hop.
Running, running, running. Running, running, running.
Now let’s stop. Now let's stop. (Place both hands out in front of you, palms facing forward.)

Walking, walking. Walking, walking.
*Hop, hop, hop. Hop, hop, hop.
Running, running, running. Running, running, running.
Now let’s stop. Now let's stop. (Place both hands out in front of you, palms facing forward.)

Tiptoe tiptoe. Tiptoe tiptoe. (Walk on your toes.)
Jump jump jump. Jump jump jump.
Swimming swimming swimming. (Make a swimming motion.)
Now let’s sleep. Now let’s sleep. (Rest your head against your hands or lie down on the ground and pretend to sleep.)

Wake up! (Eyes open! Look alert!)
It’s time to go! (Look at your watch.)
Are you ready to go fast? (Run in place quickly.)

[quickly]
Walking, walking. Walking, walking.
*Hop, hop, hop. Hop, hop, hop.
Running, running, running. Running, running, running.
Now let’s stop. Now let's stop.

Walking, walking. Walking, walking.
*Hop, hop, hop. Hop, hop, hop.
Running, running, running. Running, running, running.
Now let’s stop. Now let's stop.

Whew! (Wipe your brow with your forearm.)

Activity ideas:

After you sing "Now let's sleep", pretend to fall asleep and have the children wake you up by shouting "WAKE UP!" It's a hit everytime.

If you don’t have space to run around, or even if you do, try this song sitting down and just using your fingers! To make it even more fun, use puppets, finger puppets, and/or stuffed animals!

Also, this song provides a great opportunity to teach kids that they should stop at red lights. Make a simple traffic signal with some construction paper. On one side, put a red circle on top and two blank circles below it. On the other side, put a green circle on the bottom with two blank circles above it. When the song says, “Now let’s stop,” hold up the red light! Then flip the signal over and hold up the green light when it is time to walk again. You can continue to play stop and go games after the song has finished!

Your videos:

Caution:

CAUTION #1: When using this song with children under 3 years old, you may find that some children may become very frustrated because they can’t hop. Make sure to praise ALL of the children for good hopping, even if they are just jumping. Hold the hands of the children who have not developed the motor skills to hop yet. Or, if you prefer, instead of “hop, hop, hop”, sing “jump, jump, jump” with your toddler classes. Most kids want to try to hop though. They just need praise, encouragement, and a little bit of assistance.

CAUTION #2: Kids can get carried away with this song or any song in which they are running/jumping/marching around the classroom. It’s very important to set the tone the first time you use this song. Everybody moves in the same direction. No pushing. Stay in the circle. This is a great opportunity to help children learn to channel their excitement.

Have a great time!

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