Trip Trap! Trip Trap! Sing a song and kids will clap! Take these songs to add some fun to your reading!
Preschoolers love music, and there can be amazing benefits for little ones exposed to words and melodies. Kids Health.org states, “Research shows
that kids who are actively involved in music (who play it or sing it regularly): do better in reading and math when they start school, are better able to focus and control their bodies, play better with others and have higher self-esteem.”
So when you are working on a popular tale such as The Three Billy Goats Gruff, including music is a perfect addition to your lesson. Here you will find suggestions for preschool billy goat songs and a fingerplay to enhance your lesson.
Add Some Music to the Story
There are many versions and retellings of the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Mary Finch writes one favorite. The illustrations,
by Roberta Arenson, are appealing because of the colorful technique of mixing shapes and textures she uses.
After the children have heard the story you may want to have a few students role-play the events of the tale. Then it is time to add some music to the play!
The Three Goats Song
(Sung to the tune of If you’re Happy)
If you’re hungry and you know it, cross the bridge.
Trip Trap (stomp feet)
If you’re hungry and you know it, cross the bridge.
Trip Trap
If you’re hungry and you know, then your tummy sure will know it.
If you’re hungry and you know it, cross the bridge.
Trip Trap
If you see the angry Troll, tell him to wait.
Hold On! (put hand out to stop)
If you see the angry Troll, tell him to wait.
Hold On!
Tell the Troll to wait to eat cause your brother has more meat.
If you see the angry Troll, tell him to wait.
Hold On!
If you see the angry Troll, tell him to wait.
You’ll See! (Shake finger)
If you see the angry Troll, tell him to wait.
You’ll see!
Tell the Troll about your brother, he has meat that’s like no other.
If you see the angry Troll tell him to wait.
You’ll see!
If you’re hungry and you know it, cross the bridge.
Trip Trap (stomp feet)
If you’re hungry and you know it, cross the bridge.
Trip Trap
The Troll went home a’cryin’ ‘cause the Big Goat sent him flyin’
So if you’re hungry and you know it, cross the bridge!
Yum! Yum! (rub tummy)
by Patricia Gable
A Fingerplay
The Troll was a bully. If you have ever discussed bullies with your students this fingerplay may especially connect with them. The three goats stand up to the bully by using firm words and the bully (Troll) runs away. No physical violence was used.
Three Billy Goats Gruff
Trip Trap Trip Trap
Billy goats three (hold up 3 fingers)
Hide by the bridge
So the Troll can’t see (put fingers behind back)
When the Troll walks by
They jump up and say (hold up 3 fingers again)
“Leave us alone!”
So the Troll runs away! (make running motions with hands)
by Patricia Gable
More Songs
Even the preschool favorite, Dora the Explorer, has a song that fits with our story. It’s called The Grumpy Old Troll and could be one that your students already know. So add it to your Pre K plans !
Shauna Tominey has also written a song called “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” which sings the story for the students.
Whenever possible include songs inspired by literature. You can even create your own song, as I did here, using a familiar tune and changing the lyrics to fit the story. Hopefully these preschool billy goat songs have inspired you to use music in your classroom for the benefits and joy it provides.
Image Source:store.barefootbooks.com
