What is the Song "The Hokey Pokey"? "The Hokey Pokey" is a beloved participation song and dance that has been entertaining children and adults for generations. The song instructs dancers to put different body parts in and out of a circle, then shake them all about. The English song: The Hokey Pokey is a staple at parties, weddings, and children's gatherings everywhere. The simple instructions make it easy for even the youngest children to follow along. The song teaches body part names, direction words like "in" and "out," and following sequential directions. The silly shaking at the end of each verse makes everyone laugh. The song builds to a grand finale where you put your whole self in. This joyful dance gets everyone moving and giggling together.
The Complete Lyrics of the Nursery Rhyme Let us look at the words together. The song has verses for different body parts.
You put your right hand in, You put your right hand out, You put your right hand in, And you shake it all about. You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around, That's what it's all about!
You put your left hand in, You put your left hand out, You put your left hand in, And you shake it all about. You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around, That's what it's all about!
Continue with: You put your right foot in... You put your left foot in... You put your head in... You put your backside in... You put your whole self in...
Vocabulary Learning from the Song This English song: The Hokey Pokey introduces children to body parts, direction words, and action words. Each word builds their understanding of language and movement.
First, the song teaches body parts. "Right hand" and "left hand" teach hand identification and left/right discrimination. "Right foot" and "left foot" teach the same for feet. "Head" and "backside" are also introduced. "Whole self" means your entire body.
The song teaches direction words. "In" means going inside the circle. "Out" means coming back outside. These are important spatial concepts for young children.
The song teaches action words. "Put" means to place something. "Shake" means to move quickly back and forth. "Turn yourself around" means to spin in a circle.
The phrase "that's what it's all about" is a fun way to end each verse. It means this is the main idea or purpose.
Phonics Points to Practice Let us listen for special sounds in the song. Phonics helps children connect letters to the sounds they hear. This English song: The Hokey Pokey gives us many sounds to explore.
Listen to the "h" sound at the beginning of "hand" and "Hokey." It is a gentle breath sound. Put your hand in front of your mouth and say "hand." Feel the air. Practice other "h" words like "happy," "house," and "hello."
The "r" sound appears in "right" and "round." It is a rolling sound made with the tongue. Practice other "r" words like "rabbit," "red," and "run."
Listen to the "l" sound in "left." It is a light sound made with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth. Practice other "l" words like "lamb," "leaf," and "lullaby."
The "f" sound in "foot" is made by putting top teeth on bottom lip and blowing air. Practice other "f" words like "fish," "fun," and "family."
The "sh" sound in "shake" and "self" is important. Put your finger to your lips and say "shhh." Practice other "sh" words like "shoe," "ship," and "fish."
Grammar Patterns We Can Learn This action song teaches important grammar in a very natural way. The English song: The Hokey Pokey introduces imperatives, prepositions, and the phrase "you put."
The song uses imperatives throughout. "Put your right hand in." "Shake it all about." "Turn yourself around." These are commands telling you what to do. Children hear imperatives every day. "Come here." "Sit down." "Eat your lunch." The song adds playful imperatives to the mix.
The song uses prepositions of location. "In" and "out" show where to put your body parts. You can practice using these prepositions. "The toy is in the box." "Let's go out to play."
The phrase "you put" is used repeatedly. This is a simple sentence pattern children can learn. "You put your shoes on." "You put your toys away." "You put your hand up."
Learning Activities to Do at Home Bringing this English song: The Hokey Pokey into your daily life is simple and joyful. Here are some activities you can try with materials you already have.
A wonderful activity is the "Hokey Pokey Dance" itself. Clear a space in the room. Stand in a circle (real or imaginary). Follow the instructions in the song. Put your right hand in and out, shake it, turn around. Add each body part. At the end, put your whole self in and dance! This builds coordination, following directions, and body awareness.
Another activity is the "Left and Right Practice." Many children confuse left and right. Put a small sticker on your child's right hand. Practice putting the right hand in during the song. Then switch to the left. This builds left/right discrimination.
You can also have a "Body Parts Review." Before singing, point to and name each body part that will be in the song. Right hand, left hand, right foot, left foot, head, backside. This builds body part vocabulary.
Printable Materials for Learning Creating simple printables can make this English song: The Hokey Pokey more visual and engaging. You can make these materials together with your child.
Body part cards are perfect for this song. Draw simple pictures of each body part on separate cards. Right hand, left hand, right foot, left foot, head, backside. Hold up each card as you sing that verse. This builds vocabulary and following directions.
A coloring page is always popular. Draw children doing the Hokey Pokey with arms and legs in motion. Add arrows showing "in" and "out." Let your child color the scene. Write "The Hokey Pokey" at the top. Display their artwork proudly.
You can also create simple word cards. Write words from the song on cards. "Right," "left," "hand," "foot," "head," "backside," "whole," "self," "in," "out," "shake," "turn," "around." Show each card as you sing that word. This builds early reading skills.
A direction arrow helps with "in" and "out." Draw a large arrow pointing in and one pointing out. Hold them up during the song.
Educational Games for Deeper Learning Games make learning active and exciting. They encourage children to use the language from the English song: The Hokey Pokey in new and creative ways.
The "New Body Parts" game encourages creativity. Ask your child, "What other body parts could we put in?" Elbow? Knee? Nose? Create new verses. "You put your elbow in, you put your elbow out..." This shows children how to extend the pattern.
The "Speed Round" game adds challenge. Sing the song faster and faster. Try to keep up with the actions. This builds coordination and listening skills.
The "Quiet/Loud" game adds vocal variety. Sing the song quietly, then loudly, then in a squeaky voice, then in a deep voice. This builds vocal control and adds fun.
The "Follow the Leader" game practices the actions. One person leads, calling out body parts. Everyone else follows. The leader can add new, silly body parts. "Put your nose in!" "Put your tongue in!" This builds listening and following directions.
The "Direction Hunt" game practices "in" and "out." Give your child simple directions using "in" and "out." "Put the toy in the box." "Take the toy out." "Go in the doorway." "Come out of the room." This builds understanding of prepositions.
The "Whole Self" celebration at the end is joyful. When the song says "put your whole self in," jump into the circle with both feet. Dance wildly. This builds gross motor skills and joy.
The "Turn Around" practice helps with balance. Practice turning around slowly, then faster. Make sure you don't get dizzy! This builds balance and body awareness.
The "That's What It's All About" discussion explores the phrase. What does it mean? It means this is the main point. Talk about what activities are "all about" in your life. "Playing with you, that's what it's all about." This builds emotional connection.