Many pre-school teachers are already singing “Five Little Monkeys” with their students and are hoping to make it more engaging and useful by adding sign language signs while singing. By doing so, the signs can help children better understand the meaning of the song, learn and easily remember new vocabulary words, and have fun while doing so. The following are some of the signs I suggest you use and teach to your students so they can sign along as they sing: Five – 5 fingers up
Four – 4 fingers up
Three – 3 fingers up (thumb, pointer, middle)
Two – 2 fingers up
One – 1 finger up
*For all numbers (up to 5), your palm should face towards you
Monkeys – scratch sides like monkey
Jumping – bounce 2 fingers on the palm of your other hand as if your fingers are legs jumping
Bumped head – make sign for hurt by touching pointer fingers together by head
Call – make phone shape with thumb and pinky and hold up to ear and move forward
Doctor – bend one hand a little and act like you are taking your pulse at your wrist
No – pointer and middle finger snap down to the thumb The following are the lyrics for “Five Little Monkeys:”
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said
No more monkeys jumping on the bed Continue the song counting down from five through one, until no monkeys remain. Remember, you can find out more information about signing with your baby on my website. I have a free video where I reveal my #1 secret on how you can drastically reduce your baby’s crying and temper tantrums which you find at www.babysignlanguageonline.com For more ideas, visit www.babysignlanguageonline.com/blog