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Nursery Rhymes - Lyrics and Origins

Grades
K to 8
 
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The origins of nursery rhymes are directly linked to historical and political events throughout history. "Nursery Rhymes - Lyrics and Origins" provides the lyrics, meanings, and backgrounds...more
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The origins of nursery rhymes are directly linked to historical and political events throughout history. "Nursery Rhymes - Lyrics and Origins" provides the lyrics, meanings, and backgrounds of many classic nursery rhymes. Take students on a walk through history with such childhood nursery rhymes as Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, The Grand Old Duke of York, and London Bridge. Students will be astonished to learn the true meanings behind the words they have repeated so many times. This site also includes the origins of Mother Goose and a large variety of famous speeches and quotes that provide a wealth of research for students. Be sure to check the history of some of the rhymes prior to sharing with students as some are not age appropriate for youngsters. This site does include some rather distracting advertisements.

tag(s): nursery rhymes (9), rhymes (22)

In the Classroom

Assign a nursery rhyme to each student or small group. Have them thoroughly research the rhyme and its meaning. Have students come together to present the rhyme and their findings through dramatic role play or by presenting it in a "modern" day manner. With a little creative freedom, it could get interesting! Looking for some multimedia ideas? Have cooperative learning groups create online books using a tool such as Bookemon, reviewed here. Or challenge students to create podcasts sharing what they learned about the nursery rhymes. Use a site such as PodOmatic (reviewed here).