The Project Gutenberg eBook of Finger plays for nursery and kindergarten

This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: Finger plays for nursery and kindergarten

Author: Emilie Poulsson

Illustrator: L. J. Bridgman

Release date: March 24, 2008 [eBook #24912]
Most recently updated: January 3, 2021

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Suzanne Shell, Linda Cantoni, and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. Music
transcribed by Linda Cantoni. This e-book was created from
a 1971 reprint published by Dover Publications, Inc., New
York.

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FINGER PLAYS FOR NURSERY AND KINDERGARTEN ***

Transcriber’s Notes

This e-book was created from a modern reprint. Original publisher information has been added in brackets below. A header image for “The Lambs” is missing in the original.

Midi, PDF, and MusicXML files have been provided for the songs in this e-book. To hear a song, click on the [Listen] link. To view a song in sheet-music form, click on the [PDF] link. To view MusicXML code for a song, click on the [MusicXML] link. Lyrics contained in the music image are set forth in text below the image.

The picture parts of this e-book are best viewed at normal or medium text size.

CONTENTS

FINGER PLAYS

FOR NURSERY AND KINDERGARTEN

By
Emilie Poulsson

Music By
Cornelia C. Roeske

Illustrations By L.J. Bridgman

[D. Lothrop Company, Boston, 1893]

frontispiece

“WHAT THE CHILD IMITATES, HE BEGINS TO UNDERSTAND.”—Froebel.

PREFACE.

“What the child imitates,” says Froebel, “he begins to understand. Let him represent the flying of birds and he enters partially into the life of birds. Let him imitate the rapid motion of fishes in the water and his sympathy with fishes is quickened. Let him reproduce the activities of farmer, miller and baker, and his eyes open to the meaning of their work. In one word let him reflect in his play the varied aspects of life and his thought will begin to grapple with their significance.”

In all times and among all nations, finger-plays have been a delight of childhood. Countless babies have laughed and crowed over “Pat-a-cake” and other performances of the soft little hands; while children of whatever age never fail to find amusement in playing

“Here is the church,
And here’s the steeple,
Open the doors,
And here are the people!”

and others as well known.

Yet it is not solely upon the pleasure derived from them, that finger-plays depend for their raison d’etre. By their judicious and early use, the development of strength and flexibility in the tiny lax fingers may be assisted, and dormant thought may receive its first awakening call through the motions which interpret as well as illustrate the phase of life or activity presented by the words.

The eighteen finger-plays contained in this book have already, through publication in Babyland, been introduced to their especial public, and have been much used in homes, though perhaps more in kindergartens. It will readily be seen that while some of the plays are for the babies in the nursery, others are more suitable for older children.

A baby-friend, ten months old, plays “All for Baby” throughout, pounding and clapping gleefully with all his might—while children seven or eight years of age play and sing “The Caterpillar,” “How the Corn Grew” and others with very evident enjoyment.

With a little study of the charming and expressive pictures with which the artist, Mr. L.J. Bridgman, has so sympathetically illustrated the rhymes, mothers and kindergartners have easily understood what motions were intended. To elucidate still farther, however, the playing of “The Merry Little Men” may be thus described:

During the singing of the first verse, the children look about in every direction for the “little men,” but keep the hands hidden. At the beginning of the second verse, raise both hands to full view with fingers outspread and quiet. At the words, “The first to come,” etc., let the thumbs be shown alone, then the others as named in turn, till all are again outspread as at the beginning of the second verse. In the last verse the arms are moved from side to side, hands being raised and fingers fluttering nimbly all the time. When displaying the “busy little men,” raise the hands as high as possible.

The music, composed by Miss Cornelia C. Roeske, will be found melodious and attractive and especially suited to the voices and abilities of the very young children for whom it is chiefly intended.

The harmonic arrangement is also purposely simple in consideration of the many mothers and kindergartners who cannot devote time to preparatory practice.

Emilie Poulsson.

Boston, 1889.

CONTENTS.

|  | PAGE
I. | The Little Men | 9
II. | The Lambs | 14
III. | The Hen and Chickens | 17
IV. | The Little Plant | 21
V. | The Pigs | 25
VI. | A Little Boy’s Walk | 29
VII. | The Caterpillar | 33
VIII. | All for Baby | 37
IX. | The Mice | 41
X. | The Squirrel | 45
XI. | The Sparrows | 49
XII. | The Counting Lesson | 53
XIII. | Mrs. Pussy’s Dinner | 57
XIV. | How the Corn Grew | 61
XV. | The Mill | 65
XVI. | Making Bread | 69
XVII. | Making Butter | 73
XVIII. | Santa Claus | 77

DEDICATED

TO

LITTLE CHILDREN

At Home and in Kindergarten

BY THEIR FRIEND,

EMILIE POULSSON.

Nursery Finger Plays

I. The Little Men.

I.—THE LITTLE MEN.

Oh! where are the merry, merry Little Men
To join us in our play?
And where are the busy, busy Little Men
To help us work to-day?

Upon each hand
A little band
For work or play is ready.
The first to come
Is Master Thumb;
Then Pointer, strong and steady;

Then Tall Man high;
And just close by
The Feeble Man doth linger;
And last of all,
So fair and small,
The baby—Little Finger.

Yes! here are the merry, merry Little Men
To join us in our play;
And here are the busy, busy Little Men
To help us work to-day.

THE MERRY LITTLE MEN.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

music

music continued

Oh! where are the merry, merry Little Men
To join us in our play?
And where are the busy, busy Little Men
To help us work to-day?

Upon each hand
A little band
For work or play is ready.
The first to come
Is Master Thumb;
Then Pointer, strong and steady;

Then Tall Man high;
And just close by
The Feeble Man doth linger;
And last of all,
So fair and small,
The baby—Little Finger.

Yes! here are the merry, merry Little Men
To join us in our play;
And here are the busy, busy Little Men
To help us work to-day.

II.—THE LAMBS.

This is the meadow where all the long day
Ten little frolicsome lambs are at play.

These are the measures the good farmer brings
Salt in, or cornmeal, and other good things.

This is the lambkins’ own big water-trough;
Drink, little lambkins, and then scamper off!

rack

This is the rack where in winter they feed;
Hay makes a very good dinner indeed.

These are the big shears to shear the old sheep;
Dear little lambkins their soft wool may keep.

Here, with its big double doors shut so tight,
This is the barn where they all sleep at night.

THE LAMBS.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

music

1. This is the meadow where all the long day
Ten little frolicsome lambs are at play.
These are the measures the good farmer brings
Salt in, or corn meal, and other good things.

2. This is the lambkins’ own big water-trough;
Drink, little lambkins, and then scamper off!
This is the rack where in winter they feed;
Hay makes a very good dinner indeed.
3. These are the big shears to shear the old sheep;
Dear little lambkins their soft wool may keep.
Here, with its big double doors shut so tight,
This is the barn where they all sleep at night.

III. The Hen and Chickens

III.—THE HEN AND CHICKENS.

Good Mother Hen sits here on her nest,
Keeps the eggs warm beneath her soft breast,
Waiting, waiting, day after day.

Hark! there’s a sound she knows very well:
Some little chickens are breaking the shell,
Pecking, pecking, pecking away.

Now they’re all out, Oh, see what a crowd!
Good Mother Hen is happy and proud,
Cluck-cluck, cluck-cluck, clucking away.

Into the coop the mother must go;
But all the chickens run to and fro,
Peep-peep, peep-peep, peeping away.

Here is some corn in my little dish;
Eat, Mother Hen, eat all that you wish,
Picking, picking, picking away.

Happy we’ll be to see you again,
Dear little chicks and good Mother Hen!
Now good-by, good-by for to-day.

THE HEN AND CHICKENS.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

music

1. Good Mother Hen sits here on her nest,
Keeps the eggs warm beneath her soft breast,
Waiting, waiting, day after day.
2. Hark! there’s a sound she knows very well:
Some little chickens breaking the shell,
Pecking, pecking, pecking away.

3. Now they’re all out, oh, see what a crowd!
Good Mother Hen is happy and proud,
Cluck-cluck, cluck-cluck, clucking away.

4. Into the coop the mother must go;
While all the chickens run to and fro,
Peep-peep, peep-peep, peeping away.
5. Here is some corn in my little dish;
Eat, Mother Hen, eat all that you wish.
Picking, picking, picking away.

6. Happy we’ll be to see you again,
Dear little chicks and good Mother Hen!
Now good-bye, good-bye for to-day.

IV. THE LITTLE PLANT

IV.—THE LITTLE PLANT.

In my little garden bed
Raked so nicely over,
First the tiny seeds I sow,
Then with soft earth cover.

Shining down, the great round sun
Smiles upon it often;
Little raindrops, pattering down,
Help the seeds to soften.

Then the little plant awakes!
Down the roots go creeping.
Up it lifts its little head
Through the brown mould peeping.

High and higher still it grows
Through the summer hours,
Till some happy day the buds
Open into flowers.

THE LITTLE PLANT.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.

music

1. In my little garden bed
Rak’d so nicely over,
First the tiny seeds I sow,
Then with soft earth cover.
Shining down, the great round sun
Smiles upon it often;
Little raindrops, patt’ring down,
Help the seeds to soften.

2. Then the little plant awakes!
Down the roots go creeping.
Up it lifts its little head
Thro’ the brown mould peeping.
High and higher still it grows
Thro’ the summer hours,
Till some happy day the buds
Open into flowers.

V. THE PIGS

V.—THE PIGS.

Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
Hungry pigs as pigs could be,
For their dinner had to wait
Down behind the barnyard gate.

Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee
Climbed the barnyard gate to see,
Peeping through the gate so high,
But no dinner could they spy.

OPENED WIDE Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee
Got down sad as pigs could be;
But the gate soon opened wide
And they scampered forth outside.

Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
What was their delight to see
Dinner ready not far off—
Such a full and tempting trough!

THE TROUGH

IN THEY FELL Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
Greedy pigs as pigs could be,
For their dinner ran pell-mell;
In the trough both piggies fell.

THE PIGS.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

music

1. Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
Hungry pigs as pigs could be,
For their dinner had to wait
Down behind the barnyard gate.

2. Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee
Climbed the barnyard gate to see,
Peeping through the gate so high,
But no dinner could they spy.
3. Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee
Got down sad as pigs could be;
But the gate soon opened wide
And they scampered forth outside.

4. Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
What was their delight to see
Dinner ready not far off—
Such a full and tempting trough!
5. Piggie Wig and Piggie Wee,
Greedy pigs as pigs could be,
For their dinner ran pell-mell;
In the trough both piggies fell.

VI. A LITTLE BOY'S WALK

VI.—A LITTLE BOY’S WALK.

A little boy went walking
One lovely summer’s day:
He saw a little rabbit
That quickly ran away;

He saw a shining river
Go winding in and out,
And little fishes in it
Were swimming all about;

And, slowly, slowly turning,
The great wheel of the mill;
And then the tall church steeple,
The little church so still;

THE BRIDGE The bridge above the water;
And when he stopped to rest,
He saw among the bushes
A wee ground-sparrow’s nest.

And as he watched the birdies
Above the tree-tops fly,
He saw the clouds a-sailing
Across the sunny sky.

He saw the insects playing;
The flowers that summer brings;
He said, “I’ll go tell mamma!
I’ve seen so many things!”

A LITTLE BOY’S WALK.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

music

A little boy went walking
One lovely summer’s day:
He saw a little rabbit
That quickly ran away;
He saw a shining river
Go winding in and out,
And little fishes in it
Were swimming all about.

And slowly, slowly turning,
The great wheel of the mill;
And then the tall church steeple,
The little church so still;
The bridge above the water;
And when he stopped to rest,
He saw among the bushes
A wee ground-sparrow’s nest,

And as he watched the birdies
Above the tree-tops fly,
He saw the clouds a-sailing
Across the sunny sky.
He saw the insects playing;
The flowers that summer brings;
He said, “I’ll go tell Mamma!
I’ve seen so many things.”

VII. THE CATERPILLAR

VII.—THE CATERPILLAR.

Fuzzy little caterpillar,
Crawling, crawling on the ground!
Fuzzy little caterpillar,
Nowhere, nowhere to be found,
Though we’ve looked and looked and hunted
Everywhere around!

When the little caterpillar
Found his furry coat too tight,
Then a snug cocoon he made him
Spun of silk so soft and light;
Rolled himself away within it—
Slept there day and night.

See how this cocoon is stirring!
Now a little head we spy—
What! Is this our caterpillar
Spreading gorgeous wings to dry?
Soon the free and happy creature
Flutters gayly by.

THE CATERPILLAR.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

music

1. Fuzzy little caterpillar,
Crawling, crawling on the ground!
Fuzzy little caterpillar,
Nowhere, nowhere to be found,
Tho’ we’ve looked and looked and hunted
Everywhere around!

2. When the little caterpillar
Found his furry coat too tight,
Then a snug cocoon he made him
Spun of silk so soft and light;
Rolled himself away within it—
Slept there day and night.

3. See how this cocoon is stirring!
Now a little head we spy—
What! is this our caterpillar
Spreading gorgeous wings to dry?
Soon the free and happy creature
Flutters gaily by.

VIII. ALL FOR BABY

VIII.—ALL FOR BABY.

Here’s a ball for Baby,
Big and soft and round!
Here is Baby’s hammer—
O, how he can pound!

Here is Baby’s music—
Clapping, clapping so!
Here are Baby’s soldiers,
Standing in a row!

Here’s the Baby’s trumpet,
Toot-too-toot! too-too!
Here’s the way that Baby
Plays at “Peep-a-boo!”

Here’s a big umbrella—
Keep the Baby dry!
Here’s the Baby’s cradle—
Rock-a-baby-by!

ALL FOR BABY.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

music

1. Here’s a ball for Baby,
Big and soft and round!
Here is Baby’s hammer—
O, how he can pound!

2. Here is Baby’s music
Clapping, clapping so!
Here are Baby’s soldiers,
Standing in a row!

3. Here’s the Baby’s trumpet,
Toot-too-toot! too-too!
Here’s the way that Baby
Plays at “Peep-a-boo!”

4. Here’s a big umbrella—
Keeps the Baby dry!
Here’s the Baby’s cradle—
Rock-a-baby by!

IX. THE MICE

IX.—THE MICE.

Five little mice on the pantry floor,
Seeking for bread-crumbs or something more;

Five little mice on the shelf up high,
Feasting so daintily on a pie—

But the big round eyes of the wise old cat
See what the five little mice are at.

Quickly she jumps!—but the mice run away,
And hide in their snug little holes all day.

“Feasting in pantries may be very nice;
But home is the best!” say the five little mice.

FIVE LITTLE MICE.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

music

1. Five little mice on the pantry floor,
Seeking for bread crumbs or something more;
Five little mice on the shelf up high,
Feasting so daintily on a pie—
But the big round eyes of the wise old cat
See what the five little mice are at.
Quickly she jumps! but the mice run away.
And hide in their snug little holes all day.
“Feasting in pantries may be very nice;
But home is the best!” say the five little mice.

X. THE SQUIRREL

X.—THE SQUIRREL

“Little squirrel, living there
In the hollow tree,
I’ve a pretty cage for you;
Come and live with me!

“You may turn the little wheel—
That will be great fun!
Slowly round, or very fast
If you faster run.

“Little squirrel, I will bring
In my basket here
Every day a feast of nuts!
Come, then, squirrel dear.”

But the little squirrel said
From his hollow tree:
“Oh! no, no! I’d rather far
Live here and be free!”

So my cage is empty yet,
And the wheel is still;
But my little basket here
Oft with nuts I fill.

If you like, I’ll crack the nuts,
Some for you and me,
For the squirrel has enough
In his hollow tree.

THE SQUIRREL.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

music

1. “Little Squirrel, living there
In the hollow tree,
I’ve a pretty cage for you;
Come and live with me!
You may turn the little wheel—
That will be great fun!
Slowly round, or very fast
If you faster run.”

2. “Little Squirrel, I will bring
In my basket here
Every day a feast of nuts!
Come then, squirrel dear.”
But the little squirrel said
From his hollow tree:
“Oh! no, no! I’d rather far
Live here and be free.”

3. So my cage is empty yet
And the wheel is still;
But my little basket here
Oft with nuts I fill.
If you like, I’ll crack the nuts,
Some for you and me,
For the squirrel has enough
In his hollow tree.

XI. THE SPARROWS

XI.—THE SPARROWS.

“Little brown sparrows,
Flying around,
Up in the tree-tops,
Down on the ground,

“Come to my window,
Dear sparrows, come!
See! I will give you
Many a crumb.

“Here is some water,
Sparkling and clear;
Come, little sparrows,
Drink without fear.

“If you are tired,
Here is a nest;
Wouldn’t you like to
Come here to rest?”

All the brown sparrows
Flutter away,
Chirping and singing,
“We cannot stay;

“For in the tree-tops,
’Mong the gray boughs,
There is the sparrows’
Snug little house.”

THE SPARROWS.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.

music

1. “Little brown sparrows,
Flying around,
Up in the tree-tops,
Down on the ground,
Come to my window,
Dear sparrows, come!
See! I will give you
Many a crumb.”

2. “Here is some water,
Sparkling and clear;
Come, little sparrows,
Drink without fear.
If you are tired,
Here is a nest;
Wouldn’t you like to
Come here and rest?”

3. All the brown sparrows
Flutter away,
Chirping and singing,
“We cannot stay;
For in the tree-tops,
’Mong the gray boughs,
There is the sparrows’
Snug little house.”

XII. THE COUNTING LESSON

XII.—THE COUNTING LESSON.

(Right hand.)
Here is the beehive. Where are the bees?
Hidden away where nobody sees.
Soon they come creeping out of the hive—
One!—two!—three! four! five!

counting

(Left hand.)
Once I saw an ant-hill
With no ants about;
So I said, “Dear little ants,
Won’t you please come out?”
Then as if the little ants
Had heard my call—
One! two! three! four! five came out!
And that was all!

THE COUNTING LESSON.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.

music

1st Verse.

1. Here is the beehive. Where are the bees?
Hidden away where nobody sees.
Soon they come creeping out of the hive—
One!—two!—three! four! five!

2nd Verse.

2. Once I saw an ant hill
With no ants about;
So I said, “Dear little ants,
Won’t you please come out?”
Then as if the little ants
Had heard my call—
One! two! three! four! five came out!
And that was all!

XIII. MRS. PUSSY'S DINNER

XIII.—MRS. PUSSY’S DINNER.

Mrs. Pussy, sleek and fat,
With her kittens four,
Went to sleep upon the mat
By the kitchen door.

Mrs. Pussy heard a noise—
Up she jumped in glee:
“Kittens, maybe that’s a mouse!
Let us go and see!”

CREEPING
Creeping, creeping, creeping on,
Silently they stole;
But the little mouse had gone
Back within its hole.

“Well,” said Mrs. Pussy then,
“To the barn we’ll go;
We shall find the swallow there
Flying to and fro.”

So the cat and kittens four
Tried their very best;
But the swallows flying fast
Safely reached the nest!

Home went hungry Mrs. Puss
And her kittens four;
Found their dinner on a plate
By the kitchen door.

As they gathered round the plate,
They agreed ’twas nice
That it could not run away
Like the birds and mice!

MRS. PUSSY’S DINNER.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.

music

1. Mrs. Pussy, sleek and fat,
With her kittens four,
Went to sleep upon the mat
By the kitchen door.

2. Mrs. Pussy heard a noise—
Up she jumped in glee:
“Kittens, maybe that’s a mouse!
Let us go and see!”
3. Creeping, creeping, creeping on,
Silently they stole;
But the little mouse had gone
Back within its hole.

4. “Well,” said Mrs. Pussy then,
“To the barn we’ll go;
We shall find the swallows there
Flying to and fro.”
5. So the cat and kittens four
Tried their very best;
But the swallows flying fast
Safely reached the nest!

6. Home went hungry Mrs. Puss
And her kittens four;
Found their dinner on a plate
By the kitchen door.
7. As they gathered round the plate,
They agreed ’twas nice
That it could not run away
Like the birds and mice!

XIV. HOW THE CORN GREW

XIV.—HOW THE CORN GREW.

There was a field that waiting lay,
All hard and brown and bare;
There was a thrifty farmer came
And fenced it in with care.

Then came a plowman with his plow;
From early until late,
Across the field and back again,
He plowed the furrows straight.

The harrow then was brought to make
The ground more soft and loose;
And soon the farmer said with joy,
“My field is fit for use.”

For many days the farmer then
Was working with his hoe;
And little Johnny brought the corn
And dropped the kernels—so!

And there they lay, until awaked
By tapping rains that fell,
Then pushed their green plumes up to greet
The sun they loved so well.

Then flocks and flocks of hungry crows
Came down the corn to taste;
But ba-ang!—went the farmer’s gun
And off they flew in haste.

Then grew and grew the corn, until,
When autumn days had come,
With sickles keen they cut it down,
And sang the “Harvest Home.”

HOW THE CORN GREW.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

music

1. There was a field that waiting lay,
All hard and brown and bare;
There was a thrifty farmer came
And fenced it in with care,
There was a thrifty farmer came
And fenced it in with care.

2. Then came a ploughman with his plough;
From early until late,
Across the field and back again,
He ploughed the furrows straight.
3. The harrow then was brought to make
The ground more soft and loose;
And soon the farmer said with joy,
“My field is fit for use.”

4. For many days the farmer then
Was working with his hoe;
And little Johnny brought the corn
And dropped the kernels—so!
5. And there they lay, until awaked
By tapping rains that fell,
Then pushed their green plumes up to greet
The sun they loved so well.

6. Then flocks and flocks of hungry crows
Came down the corn to taste;
But ba-ang! went the farmer’s gun,
And off they flew in haste.
7. Then grew and grew the corn, until,
When autumn days had come,
With sickles keen they cut it down,
And sang the “Harvest Home.”

XV. THE MILL

XV.—THE MILL.

A merry little river
Went singing day by day,
Until it reached a mill-dam
That stretched across its way.

And there it spread its waters,
A quiet pond, to wait
Until the busy miller
Should lift the water-gate.

Then, hurrying through the gateway,
The dashing waters found
A mighty millwheel waiting,
And turned it swiftly round.

But faster turned the millstones
Up in the dusty mill,
And quickly did the miller
With corn the hopper fill.

And faster yet and faster
The heavy stones went round,
Until the golden kernels
To golden meal were ground.

“Now fill the empty hopper
With wheat,” the miller said;
“We’ll grind this into flour
To make the children’s bread.”

And still, as flowed the water,
The mighty wheel went round;
And still, as turned the millstones,
The corn and grain were ground.

And busy was the miller
The livelong day, until
The water-gate he fastened,
And silent grew the mill.

THE MILL.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

music

1. A merry little river
Went singing day by day,
Until it reached a mill-dam
That stretched across its way.
And there it spread its waters,
A quiet pond, to wait
Until the busy miller
Should lift the water gate.
2. Then, hurrying through the gateway,
The dashing waters found
A mighty millwheel waiting—
And turned it swiftly round.
But faster turned the millstone
Up in the dusty mill,
And quickly did the miller
With corn the hopper fill.

3. And faster yet and faster
The heavy stones went round,
Until the golden kernels
To golden meal were ground.
“Now, fill the empty hopper
With wheat,” the miller said;
“We’ll grind this into flour
To make the children’s bread.”
4. And still, as flowed the water,
The mighty wheel went round;
And still, as turned the millstones,
The corn and grain were ground.
And busy was the miller
The livelong day, until
The water gate he fastened,
And silent grew the mill.

XVI. MAKING BREAD

XVI.—MAKING BREAD.

“The farmer and the miller
Have worked,” the mother said,
“And got the flour ready,
So I will make the bread.”
She scooped from out the barrel
The flour white as snow,
And in her sieve she put it
And shook it to and fro.

Then in the pan of flour
A little salt she threw;
A cup of yeast she added,
And poured in water, too.
To mix them all together
She stirred with busy might,
Then covered it and left it
Until the bread was light.

More flour then she sifted
And kneaded well the dough,
And in the waiting oven
The loaves of bread did go.
The mother watched the baking,
And turned the loaves, each one,
Until at last, rejoicing,
She said, “My bread is done!”

MAKING BREAD.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.

music

1. “The farmer and the miller
Have work’d,” the mother said,
“And got the flour ready,
So I will make the bread.”
She scooped from out the barrel
The flour white as snow,
And in her sieve she put it
And shook it to and fro.

2. Then in the pan of flour
A little salt she threw;
A cup of yeast she added,
And poured in water, too.
To mix them all together
She stirred with busy might,
Then covered it and left it
Until the bread was light.
3. More flour then she sifted
And kneaded well the dough,
And in the waiting oven
The loaves of bread did go.
The mother watched the baking,
And turned the loaves, each one,
Until at last, rejoicing,
She said, “My bread is done!”

XVII. MAKING BUTTER

XVII.—MAKING BUTTER.

Skim, skim, skim,
With the skimmer bright;
Take the rich and yellow cream,
Leave the milk so white.

Churn, churn, churn,
Now ’tis churning day;
Till the cream to butter turn
Dasher must not stay.

Press, press, press;
All the milk must be
From the golden butter now
Pressed out carefully.

Pat, pat, pat;
Make it smooth and round.
See! the roll of butter’s done—
Won’t you buy a pound?

Taste, oh! taste,
This is very nice;
Spread it on the children’s bread,
Give them each a slice.

MAKING BUTTER.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. C.C. Roeske.

music

1. Skim, skim, skim,
With the skimmer bright;
Take the rich and yellow cream,
Leave the milk so white.

2. Churn, churn, churn,
Now ’tis churning day;
Till the cream to butter turn
Dasher must not stay.

3. Press, press, press;
All the milk must be
From the golden butter now
Pressed out carefully.

4. Pat, pat, pat,
Make it smooth and round.
See! the roll of butter’s done—
Won’t you buy a pound?

5. Taste, oh! taste,
This is very nice.
Spread it on the children’s bread,
Give them each a slice.

XVIII. SANTA CLAUS

XVIII.—SANTA CLAUS.

O, clap, clap the hands,
And sing out with glee
For Christmas is coming
And merry are we!

Now swift o’er the snow
The tiny reindeer
Are trotting and bringing
Good Santa Claus near.

Our stockings we’ll hang,
And while we’re asleep
Then down through the chimney
Will Santa Claus creep.

He’ll empty his pack,
Then up he will come
And, calling his reindeer,
Will haste away home.

Then clap, clap the hands!
And sing out with glee,
For Christmas is coming
And merry are we!

SANTA CLAUS.

[Listen] [PDF] [MusicXML]

Emilie Poulsson. Cornelia C. Roeske.

music

1. O, clap, clap the hands,
And sing out with glee!
For Christmas is coming and merry are we!
Now swift o’er the snow
The tiny reindeer
Are trotting and bringing
Good Santa Claus near.

2. O, clap, clap the hands,
And sing out with glee!
For Christmas is coming and merry are we!
Our stockings we’ll hang,
And while we’re asleep
Then down thro’ the chimney
Will Santa Claus creep.

3. O, clap, clap the hands,
And sing out with glee!
For Christmas is coming and merry are we!
He’ll empty his pack,
Then up he will come
And calling the reindeer,
Will haste away home.

*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FINGER PLAYS FOR NURSERY AND KINDERGARTEN ***

Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will be renamed.

Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark license, especially commercial redistribution.

START: FULL LICENSE

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK

To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at www.gutenberg.org/license.

Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works

1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.

1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.

1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the United States and you are located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when you share it without charge with others.

1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any country other than the United States.

1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:

1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, copied or distributed:

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.

1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™.

1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Gutenberg™ License.

1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website (www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.

1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works provided that:

• You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.”

• You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ works.

• You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of receipt of the work.

• You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works.

1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.

1.F.

1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment.

1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further opportunities to fix the problem.

1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.

1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.

1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any Defect you cause.

Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™

Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from people in all walks of life.

Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org.

Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation

The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws.

The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact

Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation

Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt status with the IRS.

The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate.

While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who approach us with offers to donate.

International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.

Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate.

Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works

Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.

Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.

Most people start at our website which has the main PG search facility: www.gutenberg.org.

This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.