Finger Plays & Songs

The Teddy Bear Song

Fingerplays & Songs
A call and move chant: every line names the teddy bear, then gives one thing to do.
The Nest Schools
This chant helps children learn…
Following directions
One clear instruction at a time, in order.
Body parts
Finding a nose, toes, and knees on their own body.
Up, down, and around
Spinning, reaching, and bending through space.
Stopping on cue
Big movement that ends with sitting down.

Say It

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Turn around

Spin in a circle

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Touch the ground

Reach down and touch the ground

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Reach up high

Stretch up as tall as you can

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Touch the sky

Pretend to touch the sky

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Find your nose

Touch your nose

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Touch your toes

Bend and touch your toes

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Touch your knees

Bend and touch your knees

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Sit down, please

Find a place to sit down

Ways to Play

Slow then fast
Say it once slowly, then speed up for a second round.
Their turn to call
Let a child add a line: touch your ears, wave hello.
With a bear
Give each child a stuffed animal to move along with them.
Try This
Use it to move a group from standing to sitting. The last line does the work for you.
Watch For
Children who do the action without watching a grown up, who find each body part, or who sit on the last line.
No materials needed · 3–5 minutes · Transitions, gross motor time, or gathering the group
The Nest Schools