Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (¡Cabeza, Hombros, Rodillas y Pies!)

Educators can use this activity to explore a classic tune in multiple languages.

Materials Needed: Song lyrics and a recording of this well-known song

1. 1. To get started, scribe the song lyrics, which are listed below, in English and in Spanish and with visual aids on your smartboard or on chart paper in your classroom. Then, gather students in a circle and let them know that, together, you’re going to learn a song—in Spanish! Ask students if anyone knows the Spanish words for Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes (or feet!).
   2. Begin by touching your head and saying “cabeza” and then have students repeat the word and gesture. Then, continue with shoulders (hombros), knees (rodillas), and feet/toes (pies). Repeat this a few times, increasing speed as you go. Finally, begin putting the movement and words to the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” If you don’t know the tune, visit the links below! Note: The literal English translation of the word “pies” (pronounced “pee-ays”) is actually “feet.” But, for this song, it works!
   3. Next, if English is your class’s primary language, take time to teach your students the melody of the song in English as well. Remember to include your gestures or movements!
   4. Finally, have your class sing their song, in both languages, to another class. ¡Hurra! (Yay!)
   5. Bonus: If there are other languages spoken in your classroom, or if you are learning languages other than Spanish, work together to make this song multilingual!

• Chorus in English
  Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
  Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
  Eyes, ears, mouth and nose
  Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
• El coro en español
  Cabeza, hombros, rodillas y pies, rodillas y pies
  Cabeza, hombros, rodillas y pies, rodillas y pies
  Ojos, orejas, boca y nariz
  Cabeza, hombros, rodillas y pies, rodillas y pies
• Teacher Tip: Click below for the instrumental and Spanish versions of this song!
  • Instrumental Version
  • Spanish Version

Reflection Questions:

• What was it like to sing a song in Spanish and/or learn a new language?
• What other songs might we want to sing together in a new language?