Where is Thumbkin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Where is Thumbkin
Song
GenreChildren's song
LanguageEnglish
ComposedUnknown
PublishedUnited States

"Where is Thumbkin" is an English-language nursery rhyme, action song, and children's song of American origin.[1] The song is sung to the tune of "Frère Jacques". The song and actions have long been used in children's play, and in teaching in nursery, pre-school and kindergarten settings, as it uses simple and repetitive phrases, and tactile, visual and aural signals.[2][3]

Lyrics[edit]

The song's most common lyrics are:

Where is thumbkin?

Where is thumbkin?

Here I am!

Here I am!

How are you today sir?

Very well I thank you!

Run AWAY!

Run AWAY!

Actions[edit]

One action is performed for each line of the song.

Child holds hands behind back and sings

"

Brings one hand to front and sings

Brings other hand to front and sings

Wiggles first thumb and sings

Wiggles second thumb and sings

Moves first hand back behind back and sings

Moves second hand back behind back and sings

See also[edit]

Further reading[edit]

  • Untiedt, Kenneth L. (2005). Untiedt, Kenneth L. (ed.). Inside the classroom (and out): how we learn through folklore. Publications of the Texas Folklore Society. Denton, TX: University of North Texas Press. pp. 31–32. ISBN 978-1-57441-202-4. Retrieved 2024-02-16 – via Project Muse.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Where is Thumbkin? – USA". Mama Lisa's World of Children and International Culture.
  2. ^ Lyons, Mary Frances (1937). "Teaching Good Usage in the Kindergarten". The Elementary English Review. 14 (3): 96–100 – via JSTOR.
  3. ^ Welsch, Roger (1966). "Nebraska Finger Games". Western Folklore. 25 (3): 173–194. doi:10.2307/1498819 – via JSTOR.