Counting Songs - Climbing

More counting songs for: Swimming Classes

I'm avoiding the work that actually needs to be done, so I thought I'd write a post on monkeys instead :).  I'm only including one song right now because I just stole the idea, but I'll add more in the future.  Swimming songs are coming soon...

5 Little Monkeys (jumping on the bed-not being eaten by alligators)

I just attended a preschool gymnastics training and they use the same protective falling techniques in tumbling classes that we encourage in bouldering.  Kids practice landing on both feet evenly and rolling back to absorb the impact.  Hugging the arms across the chest to protect the wrists.  As with snowboarding, broken/sprained wrists are a common climbing injury as a climber breaks his fall with outstretched arms.

Pam Evans, owner of Gold Star Gymnastics, was the instructor for the course and she mentioned using the 5 monkeys song to practice falling techniques.  I love it!  

Long Arm Monkeys
I changed some of it to fit climbing and I added in stuffed long arm monkeys so that the kids can climb to retrieve the monkey before the song and then climb with the monkey around their neck/waist (the Velcro lets go easily if the toy gets snagged) to bring him back home afterwards.

The long arm monkeys and other animals with Velcro paws are always in the thrift store.  They're often promotional items with random t-shirts that I remove.  They are easy to clean in the washing machine and the Velcro usually holds up.  The Oriental Trading versions are cute and cheap, but they are so small that it's harder to hang them on climbing holds.

Since jumping is already a very difficult skill for the little ones, I like to have them hugging a stuffed animal to make the arm movement more natural.

Sing
5 monkeys were jumping on the bed
    
One fell off and bumped his head


Mama called the doctor & the doctor said

No more monkeys jumping on the bed!

No more monkeys...jumping on the bed, etc.

Repeat with numbers 4-1

Do
Jump up and down in place

Bonk the monkey on your head, jump up, and roll backwards hugging your monkey.

Hold foot up to your ear like a phone

Stand up and waggle your "no" finger

Practice jumping in place

My favorite version of this song is by Asheba.  It veers away from the traditional song slightly, but it's a fun Reggae version.  I found it on on the Putumayo Presents: Animal Playground.  I am a big fan of most of the Putumayo Kids CD's.  They're great for different themes and range from upbeat Caribbean songs to slow bedtime/savasana melodies.

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