“This Old Man” is a classic English nursery rhyme loved by generations. This catchy counting song is not only entertaining for children but also a valuable tool for early learning. Let’s explore the lyrics, delve into the history of this timeless rhyme, and discover why it continues to captivate young audiences today.
Discovering the Origins of “This Old Man”
While “This Old Man” feels like it has always been around, its documented history begins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Collected by Anne Gilchrist in 1937 and published in the “Journal of the English Folk Dance and Song Society,” her version was recalled from her childhood nurse in Wales during the 1870s. This suggests the song had been passed down orally for some time before being formally recorded. Adding to its history, another version appeared earlier in the “English Folk-Songs for Schools” collection in 1906, compiled by Cecil Sharp and Sabine Baring-Gould. These early publications highlight the song’s presence in both folk tradition and educational settings, cementing its place in English cultural heritage.
“This Old Man” Lyrics: Sing Along!
Here are the complete lyrics to “This Old Man,” inviting you to sing along and share this delightful song with children:
This old man, he played one,
He played knick-knack on my thumb;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played two,
He played knick-knack on my shoe;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played three,
He played knick-knack on my knee;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played four,
He played knick-knack on my door;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played five,
He played knick-knack on my hive;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played six,
He played knick-knack on my sticks;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played seven,
He played knick-knack up in heaven;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played eight,
He played knick-knack on my gate;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played nine,
He played knick-knack on my spine;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played ten,
He played knick-knack once again;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
The Educational Value of “This Old Man”
Beyond its fun and repetitive nature, “This Old Man” offers several educational benefits for young children. Firstly, it’s a counting song that helps children learn numbers from one to ten in a memorable and engaging way. The sequential structure of the verses reinforces number recognition and order. Secondly, the rhyme and rhythm of the song aid in phonological awareness, a crucial pre-reading skill. Children develop an ear for sounds and patterns in language through singing and reciting nursery rhymes like “This Old Man”. Finally, the actions associated with “knick-knack” – playing on thumb, shoe, knee, and so on – can encourage motor skill development and body awareness as children act out the song.
Making “This Old Man” Interactive
To enhance the fun and learning, “This Old Man” can be made even more interactive. When singing with children, encourage them to perform the “knick-knack” actions on the body parts mentioned in each verse. This adds a physical element to the song and keeps children actively involved. You can also use props like toy bones to “give the dog a bone” during the “paddywhack” line, or even create simple drawings or flashcards representing each number and body part to further reinforce learning. “This Old Man” is a versatile nursery song that can be adapted to suit different learning styles and environments, making it a valuable addition to any child’s early education.
In conclusion, “This Old Man” is more than just a simple nursery rhyme. It’s a cherished piece of English tradition, a fun counting song, and an effective educational tool. Its catchy tune and playful lyrics continue to entertain and educate children, making it a timeless classic for generations to come.
