Hop a little, Jump a little

Fingerplays & Songs

Sung to the tune of “The Finger Family,” a moving song that winds down to rest.

This song helps children learn…

Gross motor moves

Hopping, jumping, running, and skipping in place.

Listening and doing

Changing the body as soon as the words change.

Body part names

Knees and head, touched as they are named.

Winding down

Going from fast and busy to slow and quiet.

Sing It

Hop a little, jump a little
One, two, three;

Hop and jump in place

Run a little, skip a little
Tap on your knees;

Run and skip together, then bend and tap your knees

Bend a little, stretch a little,
Nod your head;

Bend and stretch your body, nod your head up and down

Yawn a little, sleep a little,
In your bed.

Pretend to yawn and lay down

hop, jumpbusiest

run, skipstill quick

bend, stretchcalmer

yawn, sleepquiet

Try This

Sing it loud and quick the first time, then again softer and slower so the last verse lands almost as a whisper.

Watch For

Children who switch moves on their own, who find their knees and head, or who settle when the singing slows.

No materials needed · 3–5 minutes · Transitions, gross motor time, or settling before rest

The Nest Schools