Children love the contemporary song ‘Itsy Bitsy Spider’ or ‘Incy Wincy Spider’. The origin of this song is quite interesting. Did you know that this song was first released in 1920 with the words “blooming, bloody” in place of “itsy bitsy”? The California Folklore Society later published a version with the words “Itsy Bitsy Spider” in their Western Folklore collection in 1947. It first appeared as an English nursery rhyme in 1948 in Mike and Peggy Seeger’s collection of American Folk Songs for Children and again in Maxwell Slutz Stewart’s book “The Growing Family: A Guide for Parents” from 1955.
Lyrics Of The Rhyme Itsy Bitsy Spider in English
Let us now look at the Itsy Bitsy Spider poem lyrics. Read along as you recite it together!
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Itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the waterspout;
Down came the rain
And washed the spider out;
Out came the sun
And dried up all the rain;
And the itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the spout again.
What Will Your Child Learn From The Itsy Bitsy Spider Rhyme?
From the rhyme Itsy Bitsy spider, your child will learn that life involves both ups and downs, but they only need to be focused, persistent, and hard-working towards their goal. Failures will come, but they should not deter their determination. It also teaches that, after every fall, start again, like the spider, when the sun shines again. From a learning perspective, this rhyme opens up a fantastic world of pattern, rhythm, and new vocabulary for your kids, which they may use as they progress in their reading and writing abilities. This is a very visual rhyme, and children will enjoy imagining the spider’s movements as they recite this song.
Theme Of Itsy Bitsy Spider Nursery Rhyme
Many fans of poetry, music, and children’s literature have tried to interpret the verses of this particular nursery rhyme in various ways, but the simple lesson the Itsy Bitsy Spider rhyme gives is perseverance. This little spider in the poem never gives up! No matter how often the rain washes it down the spout, it tries again.
Rhyming Scheme Of Itsy Bitsy Spider Nursery Rhyme
Itsy Bitsy Spider follows a well-organised rhyme pattern, much like most nursery rhymes. The lines are arranged in an ABACBB pattern. The short song’s six lines are connected by a recurring “B” sound, which also serves as a unifying theme. Rain appears at the start of the poem and then again at the end. This repetition shows how the spider is compelled to climb up and then is swept back down. Nursery rhymes must contain enough aspects to grab and hold a child’s interest. The sound should be fascinating while still being sufficiently calming, and the Itsy Bitsy Spider rhyme does this job well.
Words That Your Child Will Learn From Itsy Bitsy Spider
Music appeals to kids because it makes them happy. However, as you sing a rhyme in a group, you discover a new language, pattern, and rhythm. You should provide your child context for new words so that they can utilise them later as they learn to read. Here are some of the words your kid will learn from this poem:
- The term “itsy-bitsy” is uncommon, yet we know that it implies “tiny” or “extremely small,”
- “Washed out” refers to being carried away by water.
- Another term for water being removed is “dried up.”
- There is a lesson in climbing “up the spout again” regarding patience and persistence. Keep trying, even if something doesn’t work.
Suggested Activities
Here are some activities to teach your children the Itsy Bitsy Spider rhyme.
1. Fingerplay
- The fingerplay that goes along with the singing of the song adds to the song’s intrigue and has contributed to its success. For instance, when someone sings the phrase in the third line about the water washing the spider out, they usually sweep their hands back and forth, simulating the movement of the water, if they are singing the song for or with a child. The child typically wiggles their fingers upward to imitate the spider going up the spout later in the song when it does it again. The song’s initial introduction of these finger movements was done to assist children in focusing and developing their motor abilities.
2. Use activity sheets
- You can now get your kids to be more involved in learning the rhyme by giving them activity sheets. One activity you can include is to colour the spider. Give kids different shaped spiders (square, circle, triangle, etc.). Any shape with eyes and eight legs can be used to represent a spider. This way, the kids not only familiarise themselves with the spider but also help them learn different shapes.
3. Spider facts
- You can talk to your children about interesting spider facts. This activity will get them more invested in the topic they are learning and help them remember the rhyme. You can then make a game out of it by calling out some correct and incorrect spider facts and asking your kids to pick out the wrong ones.
4. Spot the rhyming words
- You can ask your kids to find the rhyming words in the poem and note them on a coloured sheet or notebook. They can spot words like “again” and “rain.” Praise them if they identify correctly. Guide them if they seek your help.
FAQs
1. At what age should I teach my child the Itsy Bitsy Spider rhyme?
Ans. Itsy Bitsy Spider is suitable for kids of all ages, including babies and children up to the age of 5 years.
2. Is Itsy Bitsy Spider a poem?
Ans. Itsy Bitsy spider is a modern nursery rhyme.
3. Itsy Bitsy Spider is about which animal?
Ans. The poem narrates the adventure of a spider.
The Itsy Bitsy Spider rhyme engages with a positive theme and message regarding hard work and perseverance. Hope this article helps you easily teach the Itsy Bitsy poem to your kid.
Also Read:
Mary Had A Little Lamb Rhyme for Kids
Jack And Jill Nursery Rhyme for Children
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Rhyme with Lyrics
