Nursery Rhymes, Songs, and Fingerplays for Kids
(Tune: “The Farmer in the Dell“)
The sun is shining bright,
The sun is shining bright,
Oh, how I love the warmth,
The sun is shining bright.
The rain is falling down,
The rain is falling down,
Oh, how I love the sound,
The rain is falling down.
The flowers start to bloom,
The flowers start to bloom,
Oh, how I love the sight,
The flowers start to bloom.
This is my book; it will open wide
To show the pictures that are inside.
This is my ball, so big and round,
To toss in the air or roll on the ground.
Here’s my umbrella to keep me dry
When the raindrops fall from a cloudy sky.
This is my kitty; just hear her purr
When I pet her soft, warm fur.
Hush-a-bye, Baby,
In the tree top,
When the wind blows
The cradle will rock;
When the bough breaks
The cradle will fall,
Down tumbles cradle
And Baby and all.
This song is also known as Rock-a-Bye and can work as a lullaby or as an action song. See Rock-a-Bye for more details on the actions.
(Tune: “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider“)
Five little raindrops dancing on the walk
Pitter patter, pitter patter; that’s the way they talk
Out comes the yellow sun, shining in the sky
And away goes one raindrop, bye, bye, bye!
Four little raindrops dancing on the walk
Pitter patter, pitter patter; that’s the way they talk
Out comes the yellow sun, shining in the sky
And away goes one raindrop, bye, bye, bye!
Three little raindrops dancing on the walk
Pitter patter, pitter patter; that’s the way they talk
Out comes the yellow sun, shining in the sky
And away goes one raindrop, bye, bye, bye!
Two little raindrops dancing on the walk
Pitter patter, pitter patter; that’s the way they talk
Out comes the yellow sun, shining in the sky
And away goes one raindrop, bye, bye, bye!
One little raindrop dancing on the walk
Pitter patter, pitter patter; that’s the way they talk
Out comes the yellow sun, shining in the sky
And away goes that raindrop, bye, bye, bye!
All gone!
(Tune: “Frere Jacques“)
It is raining,
It is raining,
On my head.
On my head.
Pitter patter raindrops
Pitter patter raindrops
I’m all wet!
I’m all wet!
Download this instrumental version of Frere Jacques (Are You Sleeping) to listen and practice offline.
“April showers bring May flowers”
This old adage has always had special meaning for me. My mom’s birthday is in April and my birthday is in May. I imagined this phrase was coined just for me that my mom, represented by April showers, brought me, represented by May flowers, into the world. Such is the innocence and simple understanding of a young child.
It is probably also the main reason why I love April showers so much. Rain, storms, thunder and lightning have always filled me with awe and appreciation for nature. I love the sound of rain dripping, dropping and tapping on my windows and roof.
So it’s no surprise that I’ve amassed quite a list of songs and poems about April showers. I’m excited to share this treasured collection with you today. I hope it will help in filling out your storytime program centered on your favorite book about rain. Side note: my all-time favorite book to read aloud about rain is Listen to the Rain by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault.
Just click on the title of the poem and you’ll be taken to the page with the full lyrics.
Raindrops by The Harmonica Pocket on the album Sundrops
Thunder & Lightning by Recess Monkey on the album Hot Air
Rainy Day Dance Party by Milkshake on the album Got a Minute?
Rain Dance by Rachel Coleman and the TreeSchoolers on the album Plants & Flowers
In Belgian Rain by Hot Peas ‘n Butter on the album Catchin’ Some Peazzz, The Lullabies
It’s raining, it’s pouring
The old man is snoring
He bumped his head
And went to bed
And didn’t get up till morning.
(Possible variation: Sing to “Frere Jacques“)
I hear thunder, I hear thunder,
Hark, don’t you? Hark, don’t you?
Pitter-patter raindrops,
Pitter-patter raindrops,
I’m wet through,
So are you.
Download this instrumental version of Frere Jacques (Are You Sleeping?) to listen and practice offline.
(Tune: “London Bridge Is Falling Down“)
Autumn leaves are falling down,
Falling down,
Falling down.
Autumn leaves are falling down
All over town.
The cold wind blows them all around
All around
All around.
The cold wind blows them all around
All over town.
They’re drifting gently to the ground
To the ground
To the ground.
They’re drifting gently to the ground
All over town.
Take a rake and rake them up
Rake them up
Rake them up.
Take a rake and rake them up
All over town.
Download this instrumental version of London Bridge Is Falling Down to listen and practice offline.
(Tune: “I’m a Little Teapot“)
I’m a puff of wind,
Just watch me blow.
I make kites and sailboats go.
You can see me working in the sky,
Making all the clouds float by.
Download this instrumental version of I’m a Little Teapot here.
Looking for more Spring rhymes?