Original source:
The original words (recorded by Thomas Talley) described the death of the cow. I have slightly altered the words to match our modern sensibilities. A link to the original words is on page 78 of the source book linked above.If this song is too complicated with its multiple responses, try John the Rabbit. It assesses responding on tonic with different words than prompted.
Activity: This is a standard echo/response song procedure. You will need to give the students the answers before. Since they are not copying you, this is more challenging than a simple echo song.
Before doing the song as an entire group, it can be helpful to go around with a microphone prompting one child at a time. This feels backwards to the normal process but can ease the process with hesitant classes.
Adding movement:
| Word | Motion |
|---|---|
| Yes, sir! | Thumbs up or nodding |
| Corn and hay | ASL for corn (https://www.handspeak.com/word/2788/) |
| Squish, squish, squish | Mime milking a cow with both hands to the beat |
| All puffed up | Hands on belly, bouncing out to imply getting larger |
| Flap, flap flap | flap arms to the beat. Mime being a bird |
Visual Support:
Additional sources:
A recording of this song sung by Ella Jenkins can be found on Youtube and in the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Her version is more blues-y.