This is a modern-English version of Finger plays for nursery and kindergarten, originally written by Poulsson, Emilie.
It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling,
and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If
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Transcriber’s Notes
Transcriber’s Notes
Midi, PDF, and MusicXML files have been provided for the songs in this e-book. To hear a song, click on the [Listen] link. To view a song in sheet-music form, click on the [PDF] link. To view MusicXML code for a song, click on the [MusicXML] link. Lyrics contained in the music image are set forth in text below the image.
Midi, PDF, and MusicXML files are available for the songs in this e-book. To listen to a song, click on the [Listen] link. To see a song in sheet music format, click on the [PDF] link. To view the MusicXML code for a song, click on the [MusicXML] link. The lyrics shown in the music image are provided in text below the image.
FINGER PLAYS
FOR NURSERY AND KINDERGARTEN
By
Emilie Poulsson
Music By
Cornelia C. Roeske
Illustrations By L.J. Bridgman
[D. Lothrop Company, Boston, 1893]
[D. Lothrop Company, Boston, 1893]
“WHAT THE CHILD IMITATES, HE BEGINS TO UNDERSTAND.”—Froebel.
“WHAT THE CHILD IMITATES, HE BEGINS TO UNDERSTAND.”—Froebel.
INTRO.
“What the child imitates,” says Froebel, “he begins to understand. Let him represent the flying of birds and he enters partially into the life of birds. Let him imitate the rapid motion of fishes in the water and his sympathy with fishes is quickened. Let him reproduce the activities of farmer, miller and baker, and his eyes open to the meaning of their work. In one word let him reflect in his play the varied aspects of life and his thought will begin to grapple with their significance.”
“What’s up the child mimics,” says Froebel, “he starts to understand. When he pretends to fly like birds, he connects a bit with their life. If he imitates the fast movements of fish in the water, he begins to empathize with them. When he replicates the tasks of farmers, millers, and bakers, he starts to grasp the meaning behind their work. In short, let him reflect the different aspects of life in his play, and his thinking will start to engage with their significance.”
In all times and among all nations, finger-plays have been a delight of childhood. Countless babies have laughed and crowed over “Pat-a-cake” and other performances of the soft little hands; while children of whatever age never fail to find amusement in playing
In every era and across all cultures, finger games have always been a joy for kids. Countless babies have giggled and cheered over "Pat-a-cake" and other actions performed by their tiny hands, while children of any age always find fun in playing.
| “Here is the church, And here’s the church, Open the doors, “And here are the people!” |
and others as well known.
and others as well-known.
Yet it is not solely upon the pleasure derived from them, that finger-plays depend for their raison d’etre. By their judicious and early use, the development of strength and flexibility in the tiny lax fingers may be assisted, and dormant thought may receive its first awakening call through the motions which interpret as well as illustrate the phase of life or activity presented by the words.
Yet finger plays don’t just rely on the enjoyment they provide for their existence. When used wisely and early on, they can help develop strength and flexibility in those little, relaxed fingers, and they can spark the first stirrings of thought through movements that both convey and illustrate the phase of life or activity expressed by the words.
The eighteen finger-plays contained in this book have already, through publication in Babyland, been introduced to their especial public, and have been much used in homes, though perhaps more in kindergartens. It will readily be seen that while some of the plays are for the babies in the nursery, others are more suitable for older children.
The eighteen finger plays in this book have already been introduced to their specific audience through publication in Babyland, and have been widely used in homes, although they are perhaps more popular in kindergartens. It's easy to see that while some of the plays are for babies in the nursery, others are better suited for older children.
A baby-friend, ten months old, plays “All for Baby” throughout, pounding and clapping gleefully with all his might—while children seven or eight years of age play and sing “The Caterpillar,” “How the 6Corn Grew” and others with very evident enjoyment.
A ten-month-old baby is happily playing “All for Baby,” banging and clapping enthusiastically with all his strength—while kids around seven or eight years old are playing and singing “The Caterpillar,” “How the 6Corn Grew,” and other songs with clear enjoyment.
With a little study of the charming and expressive pictures with which the artist, Mr. L.J. Bridgman, has so sympathetically illustrated the rhymes, mothers and kindergartners have easily understood what motions were intended. To elucidate still farther, however, the playing of “The Merry Little Men” may be thus described:
With a bit of study of the delightful and expressive images that the artist, Mr. L.J. Bridgman, has sensitively illustrated for the rhymes, mothers and kindergarten teachers have easily grasped the intended movements. To clarify even more, the performance of "The Merry Little Men" can be described as follows:
During the singing of the first verse, the children look about in every direction for the “little men,” but keep the hands hidden. At the beginning of the second verse, raise both hands to full view with fingers outspread and quiet. At the words, “The first to come,” etc., let the thumbs be shown alone, then the others as named in turn, till all are again outspread as at the beginning of the second verse. In the last verse the arms are moved from side to side, hands being raised and fingers fluttering nimbly all the time. When displaying the “busy little men,” raise the hands as high as possible.
During the first verse, the kids look around in every direction for the “little men,” but keep their hands hidden. At the start of the second verse, raise both hands up high with fingers spread out and still. When you get to the words, “The first to come,” etc., show only the thumbs first, then the others one by one, until all fingers are spread out again like at the beginning of the second verse. In the last verse, swing the arms from side to side, with hands raised and fingers fluttering quickly the whole time. When showing the “busy little men,” lift the hands as high as you can.
The music, composed by Miss Cornelia C. Roeske, will be found melodious and attractive and especially suited to the voices and abilities of the very young children for whom it is chiefly intended.
The music, composed by Miss Cornelia C. Roeske, is melodic and appealing, particularly suited for the voices and abilities of the very young children it’s mainly intended for.
The harmonic arrangement is also purposely simple in consideration of the many mothers and kindergartners who cannot devote time to preparatory practice.
The musical arrangement is intentionally simple, keeping in mind the many moms and preschoolers who can't spend time on practice beforehand.
Emilie Poulsson.
Emilie Poulsson.
Boston, 1889.
Boston, 1889.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
| PAGE | ||
| I. | The Little Guys | 9 |
| II. | The Lambs | 14 |
| III. | The Hen and Chickens | 17 |
| IV. | The Small Plant | 21 |
| V. | The Piggies | 25 |
| VI. | A Young Boy’s Walk | 29 |
| VII. | The Caterpillar | 33 |
| VIII. | All for the Baby | 37 |
| IX. | The Mice | 41 |
| X. | The Squirrel | 45 |
| XI. | The Sparrows | 49 |
| XII. | The Counting Lesson | 53 |
| XIII. | Mrs. Pussy's Dinner Party | 57 |
| XIV. | How the Corn Grows | 61 |
| XV. | The Factory | 65 |
| XVI. | Baking Bread | 69 |
| XVII. | Making Butter | 73 |
| XVIII. | Santa | 77 |
DEDICATED
DEDICATED
TO
TO
LITTLE CHILDREN
KIDS
At Home and in Kindergarten
At Home and in Preschool
BY THEIR FRIEND,
FROM THEIR FRIEND,
EMILIE POULSSON.
EMILIE POULSSON.
I.—THE LITTLE MEN.
I.—THE LITTLE GUYS.
Oh! where are the merry, merry Little Men
To join us in our play?
And where are the busy, busy Little Men
To help us work to-day?
Oh! where are the happy, happy Little Men
Want to join us for some fun?
And where are the active, active Little Men
Can you help us get things done?
Upon each hand
A little band
For work or play is ready.
The first to come
Is Master Thumb;
Then Pointer, strong and steady;
On each hand
A small team
Is ready for work or play.
First to arrive
Is Thumb;
Then Pointer, strong and steady;
Then Tall Man high;
And just close by
The Feeble Man doth linger;
And last of all,
So fair and small,
The baby—Little Finger.
Then Tall Man stands tall;
And right next to
The Weak Man hangs around;
And finally,
So cute and tiny,
The baby—Little Finger.
Yes! here are the merry, merry Little Men
To join us in our play;
And here are the busy, busy Little Men
To help us work to-day.
Yes! Here are the cheerful, cheerful Little Men
To join us for some fun;
And here are the hardworking, hardworking Little Men
To help us accomplish tasks today.
THE MERRY LITTLE MEN.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
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Oh! where are the merry, merry Little Men Would you like to join us in our game? And where are the busy, busy Little Men To help us work today? On each hand A small band For work or play is ready. First to arrive Is Master Thumb? Then Pointer, strong and steady; Then Tall Man stood tall; And just close by The Feeble Man doth linger; And lastly, So nice and little, The baby—Little Finger. Yes! here are the merry, merry Little Men To join us in our game; And here are the busy, busy Little Men To help us work today. |
This is the meadow where all the long day
Ten little frolicsome lambs are at play.
This is the meadow where all day long
Ten little playful lambs are having fun.
These are the measures the good farmer brings
Salt in, or cornmeal, and other good things.
These are the supplies the good farmer brings
Salt, cornmeal, and other good things.
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This is the lambkins’ own big water-trough; Drink, little lambkins, and then scamper off! |
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This is the rack where in winter they feed; Hay makes a very good dinner indeed. |
These are the big shears to shear the old sheep;
Dear little lambkins their soft wool may keep.
These are the big shears for shearing the old sheep;
Dear little lambs, their soft wool can be kept.
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Here, with its big double doors shut so tight, This is the barn where they all sleep at night. |
THE LAMBS.
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Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
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1. This is the meadow where all the long day Ten little playful lambs are having fun. These are the methods that a good farmer uses. Salt, cornmeal, and other nice things. |
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2. This is the lambkins’ own big water-trough; Drink up, little lambkins, and then run along! This is the rack where they feed in winter; Hay makes for a really great dinner. |
3. These are the big shears to shear the old sheep; Dear little lambs, their soft wool may keep you warm. Here, with its large double doors securely closed, This is the barn where everyone sleeps at night. |
III.—THE HEN AND CHICKENS.
III.—THE HEN AND CHICKS.
Good Mother Hen sits here on her nest,
Keeps the eggs warm beneath her soft breast,
Waiting, waiting, day after day.
Good Mother Hen sits here on her nest,
Keeps the eggs warm beneath her soft body,
Waiting, waiting, day after day.
Hark! there’s a sound she knows very well:
Some little chickens are breaking the shell,
Pecking, pecking, pecking away.
Listen! There’s a sound she recognizes well:
Some little chicks are breaking out of their shell,
Pecking away.
Now they’re all out, Oh, see what a crowd!
Good Mother Hen is happy and proud,
Cluck-cluck, cluck-cluck, clucking away.
Now they're all out, oh, look at the crowd!
Good Mother Hen is happy and proud,
Clucking away.
Into the coop the mother must go;
But all the chickens run to and fro,
Peep-peep, peep-peep, peeping away.
Into the coop the mother has to go;
But all the chickens run around,
Peep, peep, peeping away.
Here is some corn in my little dish;
Eat, Mother Hen, eat all that you wish,
Picking, picking, picking away.
Here is some corn in my little dish;
Eat, Mother Hen, eat as much as you want,
Picking away.
Happy we’ll be to see you again,
Dear little chicks and good Mother Hen!
Now good-by, good-by for to-day.
Happy we’ll be to see you again,
Dear little chicks and good Mother Hen!
Now, goodbye for today.
THE HEN AND CHICKENS.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
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1. Good Mother Hen sits here on her nest, Keeps the eggs warm under her soft breast, Waiting, waiting, day in, day out. |
2. Hark! there’s a sound she knows very well: Some chicks breaking out of their shells, Pecking away. |
| 3. Now they’re all out, oh, see what a crowd! Good Mother Hen is happy and proud, Cluck-cluck, clucking away. |
| 4. Into the coop the mother must go; While all the chickens scurry around, Peep peep, peep peep, chirping away. |
5. Here is some corn in my little dish; Eat, Mother Hen, eat as much as you want. Picking, picking, picking on. |
| 6. Happy we’ll be to see you again, Dear little chicks and wonderful Mother Hen! Now goodbye, goodbye for today. |
IV.—THE LITTLE PLANT.
IV.—THE LITTLE PLANT.
In my little garden bed
Raked so nicely over,
First the tiny seeds I sow,
Then with soft earth cover.
In my small garden bed
Raked so neatly,
First, I plant the tiny seeds,
Then cover them with soft soil.
Shining down, the great round sun
Smiles upon it often;
Little raindrops, pattering down,
Help the seeds to soften.
The bright round sun
Often smiles at it;
Little raindrops, falling gently,
Soak the seeds to soften.
Then the little plant awakes!
Down the roots go creeping.
Up it lifts its little head
Through the brown mould peeping.
Then the little plant wakes up!
Roots are creeping underground.
Up it raises its little head
Through the brown soil showing.
High and higher still it grows
Through the summer hours,
Till some happy day the buds
Open into flowers.
It keeps growing higher and higher
During the summer days,
Until one joyful day the buds
Bloom into flowers.
THE LITTLE PLANT.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.
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1. In my little garden bed Racked up nicely over, First, I sow the tiny seeds, Then with soft soil cover. Shining brightly, the big round sun Smiles at it often; Little raindrops, pattering down, Help the seeds soften. 2. Then the little plant awakes! Roots creep downwards. It lifts its little head up. Through the brown mold peeking. It continues to rise higher and higher. Through the summer hours, Until a joyful day comes, the buds Open to flowers. |
V.—THE PIGS.
V.—THE PIGS.
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
Hungry pigs as pigs could be,
For their dinner had to wait
Down behind the barnyard gate.
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
Hungry pigs as hungry pigs can be,
Because their dinner had to wait
Down behind the barnyard gate.
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee
Climbed the barnyard gate to see,
Peeping through the gate so high,
But no dinner could they spy.
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee
Climbed the barnyard gate to look,
Peeking through the gate so high,
But they couldn't see any dinner nearby.
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee
Got down sad as pigs could be;
But the gate soon opened wide
And they scampered forth outside.
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee
Were feeling as down as pigs can get;
But then the gate swung open wide
And they ran joyfully outside.
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
What was their delight to see
Dinner ready not far off—
Such a full and tempting trough!
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
What a joy it was to see
Dinner ready not too far away—
Such a big and tempting trough!
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
Greedy pigs as pigs could be,
For their dinner ran pell-mell;
In the trough both piggies fell.
Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
Greedy pigs as pigs can be,
Rushed for their dinner;
Both piggies fell into the trough.
THE PIGS.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
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1. Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee, Hungry pigs, as pigs can be, They had to wait for their dinner. Behind the barn gate. |
| 2. Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee Climbed over the barn gate to take a look, Looking through the tall gate, But they couldn't see any dinner. |
3. Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee Got really down, feeling as sad as possible; But the gate quickly swung open wide. And they ran outside. |
| 4. Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee, They were thrilled to see Dinner is almost ready— What a full and tempting trough! |
5. Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee, Greedy pigs as pigs can be, For their dinner, they rushed; Both piggies fell into the trough. |
VI.—A LITTLE BOY’S WALK.
VI.—A LITTLE KID’S WALK.
A little boy went walking
One lovely summer’s day:
He saw a little rabbit
That quickly ran away;
He saw a shining river
Go winding in and out,
And little fishes in it
Were swimming all about;
A little boy went for a walk
A beautiful summer day:
He spotted a little rabbit
That quickly bolted;
He saw a sparkling river
Winding in and out,
And little fish in it
We're swimming all around;
And, slowly, slowly turning,
The great wheel of the mill;
And then the tall church steeple,
The little church so still;
And, gradually, gradually turning,
The large wheel of the mill;
And then the tall church steeple,
The little church is so serene;
The bridge above the water;
And when he stopped to rest,
He saw among the bushes
A wee ground-sparrow’s nest.
The bridge over the water.
And when he stopped to take a break,
He saw among the bushes
A small sparrow's nest.
And as he watched the birdies
Above the tree-tops fly,
He saw the clouds a-sailing
Across the sunny sky.
And as he watched the little birds
Soaring above the treetops,
He saw the clouds drifting
Across the bright sky.
He saw the insects playing;
The flowers that summer brings;
He said, “I’ll go tell mamma!
I’ve seen so many things!”
He saw the bugs playing;
Summer's flowers;
He said, “I’ll go tell mom!
“I’ve seen so much!”
A LITTLE BOY’S WALK.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
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A little boy went walking One lovely summer’s day: He saw a little rabbit That quickly ran away; He saw a shining river Go winding in and out, And little fishes in it Were swimming all about. And slowly, slowly turning, The great wheel of the mill; And then the tall church steeple, The little church so still; The bridge above the water; And when he stopped to rest, He saw among the bushes A wee ground-sparrow’s nest, And as he watched the birdies Above the tree-tops fly, He saw the clouds a-sailing Across the sunny sky. He saw the insects playing; The flowers that summer brings; He said, “I’ll go tell Mamma! I’ve seen so many things.” |
VII.—THE CATERPILLAR.
VII.—THE CATERPILLAR.
Fuzzy little caterpillar,
Crawling, crawling on the ground!
Fuzzy little caterpillar,
Nowhere, nowhere to be found,
Though we’ve looked and looked and hunted
Everywhere around!
Fuzzy little caterpillar,
Crawling, crawling on the ground!
Fuzzy little caterpillar,
Nowhere, nowhere to be found,
Though we’ve searched and searched and looked
Everywhere around!
When the little caterpillar
Found his furry coat too tight,
Then a snug cocoon he made him
Spun of silk so soft and light;
Rolled himself away within it—
Slept there day and night.
When the little caterpillar
Found his fuzzy coat too tight,
He made a snug cocoon for himself
Woven from silk so soft and light;
He rolled himself up inside it—
Slept there day and night.
See how this cocoon is stirring!
Now a little head we spy—
What! Is this our caterpillar
Spreading gorgeous wings to dry?
Soon the free and happy creature
Flutters gayly by.
See how this cocoon is moving!
Now we spot a tiny head—
What! Is this our caterpillar
Spreading beautiful wings to dry?
Soon the free and happy being
Flutters joyfully by.
THE CATERPILLAR.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
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1. Fuzzy little caterpillar, Crawling, crawling on the floor! Fluffy little caterpillar, Nowhere to be found, Though we've searched and searched and looked everywhere All around! 2. When the little caterpillar Found his furry coat too snug, Then he made himself a snug cocoon. Woven from silk that's soft and light; Rolled away inside it— Slept there around the clock. 3. See how this cocoon is stirring! Now we spot a little head— What! Is this our caterpillar? Spreading beautiful wings to dry? Soon the free and happy being Flutters cheerfully by. |
VIII.—ALL FOR BABY.
Here’s a ball for Baby,
Big and soft and round!
Here is Baby’s hammer—
O, how he can pound!
Here is Baby’s music—
Clapping, clapping so!
Here are Baby’s soldiers,
Standing in a row!
VIII.—ALL FOR BABY.
Here’s a ball for Baby,
Big and soft and round!
Here is Baby’s hammer—
Oh, how he can pound!
Here is Baby’s music—
Clapping, clapping so!
Here are Baby’s soldiers,
Standing in a row!
Here’s the Baby’s trumpet,
Toot-too-toot! too-too!
Here’s the way that Baby
Plays at “Peep-a-boo!”
Here’s a big umbrella—
Keep the Baby dry!
Here’s the Baby’s cradle—
Rock-a-baby-by!
Here’s the Baby’s trumpet,
Toot-too-toot! too-too!
Here’s how the Baby
Plays at “Peek-a-boo!”
Here’s a big umbrella—
Keep the Baby dry!
Here’s the Baby’s crib—
Rock-a-baby-by!
ALL FOR BABY.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
| 1. Here’s a ball for Baby, Big, soft, and round! Here’s Baby’s hammer— Oh, how he can pound! |
||
| 2. Here is Baby’s music Clapping, clapping! Here are Baby’s troops, Standing in a line! |
3. Here’s the Baby’s trumpet, Toot toot! Here’s how Baby Plays at "Peek-a-boo!" |
|
| 4. Here’s a big umbrella— Keeps the baby dry! Here’s the baby’s crib— Rock-a-baby bye! |
IX.—THE MICE.
IX.—THE MICE.
Five little mice on the pantry floor,
Seeking for bread-crumbs or something more;
Five little mice on the pantry floor,
Searching for crumbs or something more;
Five little mice on the shelf up high,
Feasting so daintily on a pie—
Five little mice on the shelf up high,
Eating so delicately from a pie—
But the big round eyes of the wise old cat
See what the five little mice are at.
But the big round eyes of the wise old cat
See what the five little mice are up to.
Quickly she jumps!—but the mice run away,
And hide in their snug little holes all day.
“Feasting in pantries may be very nice;
But home is the best!” say the five little mice.
Quickly she jumps!—but the mice scamper away,
And hide in their cozy little holes all day.
“Eating in pantries may be really nice;
But home is the best!” say the five little mice.
FIVE LITTLE MICE.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
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1. Five little mice on the pantry floor, Looking for breadcrumbs or something more; Five little mice on the shelf way up high, Enjoying a pie so delicately— But the big round eyes of the wise old cat Check out what the five little mice are doing. She quickly jumps, but the mice scurry away. And stay hidden in their cozy little spots all day. "Having a feast in the pantry can be quite enjoyable; "But home is the best!" say the five little mice. |
X.—THE SQUIRREL
X.—THE SQUIRREL
“Little squirrel, living there
In the hollow tree,
I’ve a pretty cage for you;
Come and live with me!
“Little squirrel, living there
In the hollow tree,
I’ve got a nice cage for you;
Come and stay with me!
“You may turn the little wheel—
That will be great fun!
Slowly round, or very fast
If you faster run.
“You can spin the little wheel—
That'll be so much fun!
Slowly around, or really fast
If you run faster."
“Little squirrel, I will bring
In my basket here
Every day a feast of nuts!
Come, then, squirrel dear.”
But the little squirrel said
From his hollow tree:
“Oh! no, no! I’d rather far
Live here and be free!”
“Hey little squirrel, I’ll bring
In my basket here
A feast of nuts every day!
Come on, squirrel dear.”
But the little squirrel replied
From his hollow tree:
“Oh! No, no! I’d much rather
Stay here and be free!”
So my cage is empty yet,
And the wheel is still;
But my little basket here
Oft with nuts I fill.
If you like, I’ll crack the nuts,
Some for you and me,
For the squirrel has enough
In his hollow tree.
So my cage is still empty,
And the wheel isn't turning;
But my little basket here
Is often filled with nuts.
If you want, I’ll crack the nuts,
Some for you and me,
Because the squirrel has plenty
In his hollow tree.
THE SQUIRREL.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
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1. “Little Squirrel, living there In the empty tree, I have a nice cage for you; Come live with me! You can turn the small wheel— That will be a blast! Slowly or very fast If you run faster. 2. “Little Squirrel, I will bring In my bag here Every day there's a feast of nuts! “Come on, dear squirrel.” But the little squirrel said From his hollow tree: “Oh! No, no! I’d much rather "Live here and be free." 3. So my cage is empty yet And the wheel is stopped; But my small basket here Often fill with nuts. If you want, I’ll crack the nuts, Some for us, For the squirrel has enough In his empty tree. |
XI.—THE SPARROWS.
XI.—THE SPARROWS.
“Little brown sparrows,
Flying around,
Up in the tree-tops,
Down on the ground,
“Come to my window,
Dear sparrows, come!
See! I will give you
Many a crumb.
“Little brown sparrows,
Flying around,
Up in the tree-tops,
Down on the ground,
“Come to my window,
Dear sparrows, come!
Look! I will give you
Lots of crumbs.
“Here is some water,
Sparkling and clear;
Come, little sparrows,
Drink without fear.
“Here is some water,
Sparkling and clear;
Come, little sparrows,
Drink without fear.
“If you are tired,
Here is a nest;
Wouldn’t you like to
Come here to rest?”
“If you’re tired,
Here’s a nest;
Wouldn’t you want to
Come here to rest?”
All the brown sparrows
Flutter away,
Chirping and singing,
“We cannot stay;
“For in the tree-tops,
’Mong the gray boughs,
There is the sparrows’
Snug little house.”
All the brown sparrows
Flutter away,
Chirping and singing,
“We can’t stay;
“For in the treetops,
Among the gray branches,
There’s the sparrows’
Cozy little home.”
THE SPARROWS.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.
|
1. “Little brown sparrows, Flying around, In the treetops, On the ground, Come to my window, Hey sparrows, come! Look! I'll give you Many crumbs. 2. “Here is some water, Bright and clear; Come, little birds, Drink without worry. If you're tired, Here's a nest; Wouldn't you want to “Come here and relax?” 3. All the brown sparrows Fly away, Chirping and singing, "We can't stay; In the treetops, Among the gray branches, There are the sparrows’ Cozy little house. |
XII.—THE COUNTING LESSON.
XII.—THE COUNTING CLASS.
| Right hand. Here is the beehive. Where are the bees? Hidden away where nobody sees. Soon they come creeping out of the hive— One!—two!—three! four! five! |
(Left hand.)
Once I saw an ant-hill
With no ants about;
So I said, “Dear little ants,
Won’t you please come out?”
Then as if the little ants
Had heard my call—
One! two! three! four! five came out!
And that was all!
Left hand.
One time I saw an ant hill
No ants around;
So I said, “Hey little ants,
"Could you come out, please?"
Then as if the little ants
Heard me calling—
One! two! three! four! five came out!
And that was it!
THE COUNTING LESSON.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.
|
1st Verse. 1. Here is the beehive. Where are the bees? Hidden where no one sees. Soon they start emerging from the hive— One!—two!—three! four! five! 2nd Verse. 2. Once I saw an ant hill Without any ants around; So I said, “Dear little ants, "Will you please come out?" Then as if the tiny ants Heard my call— One! Two! Three! Four! Five appeared! And that was it! |
XIII.—MRS. PUSSY’S DINNER.
13. - Mrs. Pussy’s Dinner.
Mrs. Pussy, sleek and fat,
With her kittens four,
Went to sleep upon the mat
By the kitchen door.
Mrs. Pussy, smooth and plump,
With her four kittens,
Settled down to sleep on the mat
At the kitchen door.
Mrs. Pussy heard a noise—
Up she jumped in glee:
“Kittens, maybe that’s a mouse!
Let us go and see!”
Mrs. Pussy heard a sound—
She leaped up in joy:
“Kittens, could that be a mouse?
“Let’s go check it out!”
Creeping, creeping, creeping on,
Silently they stole;
But the little mouse had gone
Back within its hole.
Creeping, creeping, creeping along,
They sneaked in quietly;
But the little mouse had left
To retreat back into its hiding place.
“Well,” said Mrs. Pussy then,
“To the barn we’ll go;
We shall find the swallow there
Flying to and fro.”
“Well,” said Mrs. Pussy then,
"We'll go to the barn;"
We’ll find the swallow there
Flying back and forth.
So the cat and kittens four
Tried their very best;
But the swallows flying fast
Safely reached the nest!
So the cat and her four kittens
Did their best.
But the swallows flying quickly
I arrived safely at the nest!
Home went hungry Mrs. Puss
And her kittens four;
Found their dinner on a plate
By the kitchen door.
As they gathered round the plate,
They agreed ’twas nice
That it could not run away
Like the birds and mice!
Home went hungry Mrs. Puss
And her four cats;
Found their dinner on a plate
By the kitchen entrance.
As they gathered around the plate,
They all thought it was great.
That it couldn’t run away
Just like the birds and mice!
MRS. PUSSY’S DINNER.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.
|
1. Mrs. Pussy, sleek and fat, With her four kittens, Went to sleep on the mat By the kitchen entrance. |
|
2. Mrs. Pussy heard a noise— She jumped up in joy: "Kittens, maybe that's a mouse!" "Let's go and see!" |
3. Creeping, creeping, creeping on, They snuck away quietly; But the little mouse had left. Back in its hole. |
| 4. “Well,” said Mrs. Pussy then, “Let’s go to the barn;” We'll find the swallows there. Flying back and forth. |
5. So the cat and kittens four Gave it their all; But the swallows are flying fast Made it safely to the nest! |
| 6. Home went hungry Mrs. Puss And her four kittens; Found their dinner on a plate. At the kitchen door. |
7. As they gathered round the plate, They agreed it was nice That it couldn't escape. Like the birds and mice! |
XIV.—HOW THE CORN GREW.
There was a field that waiting lay,
All hard and brown and bare;
There was a thrifty farmer came
And fenced it in with care.
XIV.—HOW THE CORN GREW.
There was a field that lay waiting,
All tough, brown, and bare;
A diligent farmer came
And carefully enclosed it.
Then came a plowman with his plow;
From early until late,
Across the field and back again,
He plowed the furrows straight.
The harrow then was brought to make
The ground more soft and loose;
And soon the farmer said with joy,
“My field is fit for use.”
Then a farmer showed up with his plow;
From dawn till dusk,
Across the field and back again,
He plowed the rows straight.
Next, the harrow was brought in to make
The ground is softer and looser;
And soon the farmer said happily,
"My field is ready to use."
For many days the farmer then
Was working with his hoe;
And little Johnny brought the corn
And dropped the kernels—so!
And there they lay, until awaked
By tapping rains that fell,
Then pushed their green plumes up to greet
The sun they loved so well.
For many days the farmer then
Was using his hoe;
And little Johnny brought the corn
And dropped the kernels—just like that!
And there they lay, until awoken
By tapping into rainfall,
Then pushed their green plumes up to greet
The sun they adored so much.
Then flocks and flocks of hungry crows
Came down the corn to taste;
But ba-ang!—went the farmer’s gun
And off they flew in haste.
Then grew and grew the corn, until,
When autumn days had come,
With sickles keen they cut it down,
And sang the “Harvest Home.”
Then flocks and flocks of hungry crows
Came down to the corn to have a snack;
But bang!—went the farmer’s gun
And off they hurriedly flew.
Then the corn grew and grew, until,
When fall days arrived,
With sharp sickles, they cut it down,
And sang the "Harvest Home."
HOW THE CORN GREW.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
|
1. There was a field that waiting lay, Everything is tough, brown, and bare; There was a frugal farmer who came And carefully enclosed it, There was a frugal farmer who came And carefully enclosed it. |
|
2. Then came a ploughman with his plough; All day long, Across the field and back again, He plowed the fields straight. |
3. The harrow then was brought to make The ground is softer and looser; And soon the farmer exclaimed with joy, "My field is ready for use." |
| 4. For many days the farmer then Was using his hoe; And little Johnny brought the corn. And dropped the kernels—wow! |
5. And there they lay, until awaked By tapping rainfall that fell, Then raised their green plumes to welcome The sun they adored so much. |
| 6. Then flocks and flocks of hungry crows Came down to the corn to taste; But bang! went the farmer's gun, And off they quickly flew. |
7. Then grew and grew the corn, until, When fall days had come, With sharp sickles, they chopped it down, And sang "Harvest Home." |
XV.—THE MILL.
XV.—THE MILL.
A merry little river
Went singing day by day,
Until it reached a mill-dam
That stretched across its way.
And there it spread its waters,
A quiet pond, to wait
Until the busy miller
Should lift the water-gate.
Then, hurrying through the gateway,
The dashing waters found
A mighty millwheel waiting,
And turned it swiftly round.
A cheerful little river
Sang joyfully every day,
Until it came to a dam
That blocked its path.
And there it spread its waters,
A peaceful pond, just waiting.
Until the busy miller
Would lift the water gate.
Then, rushing through the gateway,
The flowing water found
A big millwheel waiting,
And quickly turned it around.
But faster turned the millstones
Up in the dusty mill,
And quickly did the miller
With corn the hopper fill.
And faster yet and faster
The heavy stones went round,
Until the golden kernels
To golden meal were ground.
“Now fill the empty hopper
With wheat,” the miller said;
“We’ll grind this into flour
To make the children’s bread.”
But the millstones turned faster
In the dusty mill,
And quickly the miller
Filled the bin with corn.
And even faster and faster
The heavy stones rotated,
Until the golden kernels
Ground into cornmeal.
“Now fill the empty hopper
“With wheat,” the miller said;
“We’ll grind this into flour
"To make bread for the kids."
And still, as flowed the water,
The mighty wheel went round;
And still, as turned the millstones,
The corn and grain were ground.
And busy was the miller
The livelong day, until
The water-gate he fastened,
And silent grew the mill.
And still, as the water flowed,
The big wheel kept spinning;
And still, as the millstones turned,
The corn and grain were milled.
And the miller was busy
All day long, until
He closed the water gate,
And the mill went silent.
THE MILL.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
|
1. A merry little river Sang daily, Until it got to a mill-dam That stretched across its path. And there it spread its waters, A peaceful pond, to wait Until the busy miller Should raise the water gate. |
2. Then, hurrying through the gateway, The rushing waters discovered A powerful millwheel waiting— And quickly spun it around. But the millstone turned faster In the dusty mill, And the miller quickly did Fill the hopper with corn. |
| 3. And faster yet and faster The heavy stones rolled around, Until the golden grains To golden meal were ground. "Now, fill the empty bin" With wheat,” the miller said; “We’ll mill this into flour” To make the kids' bread. |
4. And still, as flowed the water, The powerful wheel turned; And still, as the millstones turned, The corn and grain were milled. And the miller was busy All day long, until He locked the water gate. And the mill grew silent. |
XVI.—MAKING BREAD.
16.—BAKING BREAD.
“The farmer and the miller
Have worked,” the mother said,
“And got the flour ready,
So I will make the bread.”
She scooped from out the barrel
The flour white as snow,
And in her sieve she put it
And shook it to and fro.
“The farmer and the miller
Have done their work,” the mother said,
“And prepared the flour,
So I’ll bake the bread.”
She scooped from the barrel
The flour as white as snow,
And put it in her sifter
And shook it to and fro.
Then in the pan of flour
A little salt she threw;
A cup of yeast she added,
And poured in water, too.
To mix them all together
She stirred with busy might,
Then covered it and left it
Until the bread was light.
Then in the bowl of flour
She tossed in a pinch of salt;
A cup of yeast she added,
And poured in some water, too.
To mix everything together
She stirred with all her strength,
Then covered it and set it aside
Until the dough was light.
More flour then she sifted
And kneaded well the dough,
And in the waiting oven
The loaves of bread did go.
The mother watched the baking,
And turned the loaves, each one,
Until at last, rejoicing,
She said, “My bread is done!”
More flour than she sifted
And kneaded the dough well,
And in the waiting oven
The loaves of bread went in.
The mother watched them bake,
And turned each loaf around,
Until at last, with joy,
She said, “My bread is ready!”
MAKING BREAD.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.
|
1. “The farmer and the miller "Have worked," the mother said, “Got the flour ready, "Then I'll make the bread." She scooped from the barrel. The flour is as white as snow. And she put it in her sieve. And shook it back and forth. |
| 2. Then in the pan of flour She threw a little salt; She added a cup of yeast, And added water, too. To combine them all together She stirred with busy energy, Then covered it up and walked away. Until the bread was fluffy. |
3. More flour then she sifted And kneaded the dough well, And in the preheated oven The loaves of bread were taken away. The mom watched the baking, And flipped each loaf, one by one, Until finally, celebrating, She said, “My bread is ready!” |
XVII.—MAKING BUTTER.
Making Butter.
Skim, skim, skim,
With the skimmer bright;
Take the rich and yellow cream,
Leave the milk so white.
Churn, churn, churn,
Now ’tis churning day;
Till the cream to butter turn
Dasher must not stay.
Skim, skim, skim,
With the skimmer gleaming;
Take the rich and golden cream,
Keep the milk pure white.
Churn, churn, churn,
Now it's churn day;
Until the cream turns to butter
The dasher can't take a break.
Press, press, press;
All the milk must be
From the golden butter now
Pressed out carefully.
Press, press, press;
All the milk needs to be __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
From the golden butter now
Pressed out gently.
Pat, pat, pat;
Make it smooth and round.
See! the roll of butter’s done—
Won’t you buy a pound?
Taste, oh! taste,
This is very nice;
Spread it on the children’s bread,
Give them each a slice.
Pat, pat, pat;
Make it smooth and round.
Look! The butter roll is ready—
Want to buy a pound?
Taste, oh! taste,
This is really great;
Spread it on the kids' bread,
Give them all a slice.
MAKING BUTTER.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.
|
1. Skim, skim, skim, With the bright skimmer; Take the rich, yellow cream, Leave the milk super white. |
|
| 2. Churn, churn, churn, Now it's churning day; Until the cream turns into butter. Dasher can't stay. |
|
| 3. Press, press, press; All the milk has to be From the creamy butter now Pressed out carefully. |
|
| 4. Pat, pat, pat, Make it smooth and round. Look! The roll of butter is finished— Won’t you buy a pound? |
|
| 5. Taste, oh! taste, This is really nice. Spread it on the kids' bread, Let them each have a slice. |
XVIII.—SANTA CLAUS.
18. — SANTA CLAUS.
O, clap, clap the hands,
And sing out with glee
For Christmas is coming
And merry are we!
Oh, clap your hands,
And sing with happiness
Because Christmas is on the way
And we're feeling happy!
Now swift o’er the snow
The tiny reindeer
Are trotting and bringing
Good Santa Claus near.
Now quickly over the snow
The small reindeer
Are running and bringing
Good Santa is nearby.
Our stockings we’ll hang,
And while we’re asleep
Then down through the chimney
Will Santa Claus creep.
We'll hang our stockings,
And while we rest
Then down through the chimney
Santa Claus will sneak.
He’ll empty his pack,
Then up he will come
And, calling his reindeer,
Will haste away home.
He'll unpack his bag,
Then he'll go back up
And, calling his reindeer,
Will hurry home.
Then clap, clap the hands!
And sing out with glee,
For Christmas is coming
And merry are we!
Then clap your hands!
And sing joyfully,
Because Christmas is on its way
And we're feeling great!
SANTA CLAUS.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__] [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_2__]
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.
|
1. O, clap, clap the hands, And sing with joy! Christmas is coming, and we’re feeling joyful! Now move quickly over the snow The little reindeer Are running and bringing Good Santa nearby. 2. O, clap, clap the hands, And sing out with joy! Christmas is coming, and we are feeling merry! We'll hang our stockings, And while we sleep Then down through the chimney Will Santa Claus sneak. 3. O, clap, clap the hands, And sing out with joy! For Christmas is approaching, and we are filled with joy! He's going to unpack, Then he'll come up. And calling the reindeer, Will rush home. |
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