Nancy Stewart

I have been using this little song in workshops and classrooms for over twenty years, and I am still amazed at its magic! Although it has only four lines, this song... Gets children singing! Even those reluctant singers will join in! (This is the magic part!) Teaches cooperation and problem-solving , as children negotiate for and trade 'treasures' Builds simple math skills as items are counted at the end of the song. Builds listening skills (I help children repeat the entire sentence of the response, not simply respond, 'I do!') Provides an opportunity to discuss the difference between a sentence and a question, often a difficult concept for young children! and melody Have enough pennies, buttons, and keys so that each child can have one item. I excitement! Instruct each child to open his or her hand, and place an item in it. Instruct them to keep their treasures hidden until the end of the song. (Variation for Coin Counting) Who Has A Penny? lyrics below, you can use this as a teaching tool for counting and penny?' TEACHER TEACHER TEACHER coins. Discuss how many pennies in a nickel, how many nickels in a dime, etc. Additional Ideas I have a librarian friend who uses this song as a pre-story time activity. As children arrive, each is given a 'treasure,' and the song is sung. As more children arrive, treasures are added and traded and the song goes on until it's time for the story time to begin. Have the children trade items, and sing two more times, so that every child gets to have all three items. (Warning- everyone will want a key!) Then collect the treasures. Lay them out on the floor on columns, and count the number of each item. Are there more or less of each, or the same? This is a great, easy math lesson!

Lyrics