Over the River and Through the Woods

U.S.A.

HISTORY AND SONG NOTES

Over the River and Through the Woods is an American folksong, originally published as a poem by Lydia Maria Child in 1844. This song is often associated with Thanksgiving, as mentioned in the lyrics, but may also be changed to “Christmas Day” for singing at Christmas time. This tune works well as a group movement game for young children, and also as a singing or instrument playing activity.

Additional Verses:

Over the river and through the wood and straight to the barnyard gate

We seem to go so very slow and it's so hard to wait,

Over the river and through the wood, now grandmother's cap I spy.

Hurrah for the fun, the pudding's done, hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

Over the river and through the wood, now soon we'll be on our way,

There's feasting and fun for every one, for this is Thanksgiving Day,

Over the river and through the wood, get on, my dapple grey,

The woods will ring with songs we sing, for this is Thanksgiving Day.

Group Circle Game

This game works well with preschool aged children, who are working on moving as a group with the music. For this to be achieved, it works well for the children to move in a circle; however, you can have them move in a line around the room if that works better for your space. The original meter of the song lends itself to galloping, but if your children are not yet able to gallop, they may enjoy making galloping movements/sounds with their hands on their laps, or bouncing along with the music.

Singing and Instrument playing

The children may enjoy singing, or hearing you sing, the song while they play instruments as a group. Shakers and bells work particularly well with this song, enabling the children to play along with the beat and feel the meter. Click here to read more about group singing or instrument playing.

AUDIO RECORDING with words FOR LISTENING, SINGING ALONG, AND LEARNING: 

Downloads:

PDF of Score: Over the River and Through the Woods