Big and Small

Fingerplays & Songs

A size-hunting song sung to the tune of “Frère Jacques.”

This song helps children learn…

Size words

Using big and small to describe what they see.

Comparing objects

Deciding which of two things is bigger.

Listening for the cue

Holding the size and object in mind before hunting.

Repetition and rhythm

Steady beat and repeated phrases in a familiar tune.

Sing It

Big and small.
Big and small.
Big, big, big, small, small, small.
Big and small.
Big and small.

I am looking for the
.

sizeobject

Stretch arms wide on every big and pinch fingers together on every small, then send children off to find the one you named.

big rock · small rock

big leaf · small leaf

big stick · small stick

big block · small block

big ball · small ball

big shoe · small shoe

Try This

Let a child choose the size and object for the next round. Line the finds up smallest to biggest when the hunt is over.

Watch For

Children who bring back the right size, hold two objects up to compare, or use their own size words like tiny or huge.

Pairs of objects in two sizes · 5–10 minutes · Outdoor exploration, community meeting, or transitions

The Nest Schools