Finger Plays & Songs

10 Cheeky Monkeys

Fingerplays & Songs
A counting down song from ten monkeys to one, with a snap every round.
The Nest Schools
This song helps children learn…
Counting backward
Ten all the way down to one.
One less each time
Fingers show the number that is left.
Loud and quiet
A whisper for the crocodile, a clap for the snap.
Waiting for the surprise
Holding still until the snap arrives.

Sing It

Ten cheeky monkeys swinging in the tree,
Teasing Mr. Crocodile,
“You can’t catch me! You can’t catch me!”

Along came Mr. Crocodile
As quiet as can be,

SNAP!One monkey out of that tree!

swing ten fingers side to side, then clap on the snap

Nine cheeky monkeys swinging in the tree,
Teasing Mr. Crocodile,
“You can’t catch me! You can’t catch me!”
Along came Mr. Crocodile
As quiet as can be,

SNAP!One monkey out of that tree!
On the last verse sing “one cheeky monkey” and let the tree go empty.

Hands & Numbers

monkeysfingers up, swinging
teasinga cheeky singsong voice
crocodilewhisper and creep closer
snapone big clap
counttuck one finger away
Keep going with one less monkey
eight seven six five four three two one
Try This
Ask “how many monkeys now?” after each snap and count the fingers still up together.
Watch For
Children who say the next number before you do, who show the right fingers, or who clap right on the snap.
No materials needed · 5 minutes · Circle time, counting practice, or waiting moments
The Nest Schools