Teaches

They don't get any simpler than this. For a little bit of insight into the creation of this song, check out Devon's Blog.

This song is just a lot of fun. And for ESL/EFL students, this song helps them move beyond formulaic yes/no responses to more natural, kid-like responses. If you ask a native-English speaking child, "Do you like ice cream?" she will almost certainly NOT answer "Yes, I do." Kids say things like "yep" or "uh-huh!" So, while it is important for children to understand and be able to use expressions like "Yes, I do" and "No, I don't", it's also important for students to learn some of the more informal, natural expressions that children use.

This song also helps children learn the rhythm of English. Adult ESL/EFL learners often have a very hard time hearing and saying "Uh-huh" and "Unh-unh"...two similar sounds with totally different intonations. Children who learn this song get a quick lesson in the importance of intonation.

Lyrics & Actions

Uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh. (Nod your head "yes", up and down.)
UNH-UNH! (Nod your head "no", side to side.)

Uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh. (Nod your head "yes", up and down.)
UNH-UNH! (Nod your head "no", side to side)

Uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh. (Nod your head "yes", up and down.)
UNH-UNH! (Nod your head "no", side to side.)

Uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh. (Nod your head "yes", up and down.)
UNH-UNH! (Nod your head "no", side to side.)

Yes yes yes yes. (Nod your head "yes", up and down.)
No no no no no no no. (Nod your head "no", side to side.)
Yes yes yes yes. (Nod your head "yes", up and down.)
No no no no no no no. (Nod your head "no", side to side.)

(During the interlude here, ask the children some simple yes/no questions and encourage them to answer by saying "Uh-huh" or "Unh-unh". For example, "Do you like ice cream?" "Uh-huh." "Do you like butterflies?" "Uh-huh." "Do you like butterfly ice cream?" "UNH-UNH!")

Uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh. (Nod your head "yes", up and down.)
UNH-UNH! (Nod your head "no", side to side.)

Uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh. (Nod your head "yes", up and down)
UNH-UNH! (Nod your head "no", side to side)

Activities

Try singing the song with hand puppets. It's a BLAST!

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