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

Educators can use this activity to explore a classic tune in multiple languages. This activity aligns with the National Arts Standards: Performing, Responding, Connecting.

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

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 link in the Teacher Tip
   Toolbox 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, pies, rodillas y pies

Cabeza, hombros, rodillas, pies, rodillas y pies

Ojos, orejas, boca y nariz

Cabeza, hombros, rodillas, pies, rodillas y pies


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?

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