A counting-down rhyme that teaches numbers, subtraction, cause and effect, and delivers a playful safety message about proper bed behavior.
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped his head.
Mama called the Doctor and the Doctor said,
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
Four little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped her head.
Papa called the Doctor and the Doctor said,
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
Three little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped his head.
Mama called the Doctor and the Doctor said,
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
Two little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped her head.
Papa called the Doctor and the Doctor said,
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
One little monkey jumping on the bed,
He fell off and bumped his head.
Mama called the Doctor and the Doctor said,
"Put those monkeys straight to bed!"
Learning Activities
Counting Down
Use five stuffed animals or finger puppets to act out the rhyme and practice counting backwards from five to one.
Safety Talk
Discuss why we shouldn't jump on beds and other simple safety rules to prevent bumps and bruises.
Role Play
Take turns pretending to be the doctor, mama, papa, and monkeys, acting out the story with safe movements on the floor.