“Going on a bear hunt song” is a classic, interactive children’s song perfect for engaging young minds and bodies. This action-packed rhyme is not just fun but also helps develop listening skills, memory, and coordination. Let’s explore the lyrics and actions that bring this adventurous song to life.
Full Lyrics of “Going on a Bear Hunt”
Get ready to sing along and act out this exciting journey! Here are the lyrics to “Going on a Bear Hunt”:
One person leads, the rest of the group repeats each line after (action: slap hands on thighs like walking)
Goin’ on a bear hunt (kids echo: bear hunt)
Gonna catch a big one (kids echo: a big one)
I’m not afraid (action: shake head no)
What’s that up ahead (action: shade eyes with hand, look around)
A field. Can’t go around it (kids echo: around it) Can’t go under it (kids echo: under it) Can’t go over it (kids echo: over it it) Gotta go through it (action: rub hands together) (kids echo: though it)
A lake Can’t go around it (kids echo: around it) Can’t go under it (kids echo: under it) Can’t go over it (kids echo: over it it) Gotta swim through it (action: rub hands together) (kids echo: though it) (action: swimming motion)
A tree Can’t go around it (kids echo: around it) Can’t go under it (kids echo: under it) Gotta climb go over it (kids echo: over it it) (action: climbing motion)
A cave Can’t go around it (kids echo: around it) Can’t go under it (kids echo: under it) Can’t go over it (kids echo: over it it) Gotta go in it (kids echo: in it) (action: reaching out in the dark)
Cold in here. Dark in here. I feel something Hairy! It’s a bear!
run away, through actions backward Out of the cave (you can see) A tree ( climbing motion) A lake (swimming motion) A field (rub hands together)
Whew! We’re home. I’m not afraid!
Actions for an Engaging Bear Hunt Experience
The actions are what make the “going on a bear hunt song” truly interactive and fun for children. Here’s a breakdown of the suggested movements:
- (Slap hands on thighs like walking): For the opening and between verses, mimic walking to set the adventurous tone.
- (Shake head no): When singing “I’m not afraid,” this action reinforces the brave spirit.
- (Shade eyes with hand, look around): For “What’s that up ahead,” this action builds suspense and anticipation.
- (Rub hands together): Used for “Gotta go through it” and “Gotta swim through it,” this signifies pushing through obstacles.
- (Swimming motion): Clearly demonstrate swimming when encountering the lake.
- (Climbing motion): Show climbing a tree when faced with the tree obstacle.
- (Reaching out in the dark): Create a sense of mystery and darkness when entering the cave.
When the bear appears, the actions reverse quickly to simulate running back through each obstacle: cave, tree, lake, and field, before finally reaching home, safe and sound.
This “going on a bear hunt song” is a fantastic activity for preschool, kindergarten, or even family time. It encourages physical activity, imaginative play, and most importantly, lots of laughter!