If you’re happy & you know it
Songs for ESL kids
Stream and download “If you’re happy & you know it”
If you’re happy & you know it
Song theme: Saying action verbs.
Target vocab: happy, clap your hands, [hide_on_uk]stomp[/hide_on_uk][hide_on_us]stamp[/hide_on_us] your feet, say “We are”, do all three.
Song length: 1:22
The classic song which is great as an energy burner and good fun for all kids.
[hide_on_uk]Short sample (members get full-length song):
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[hide_on_us]Short sample (members get full-length song):
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Lyrics:
Verse 1:
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
Verse 2:
If you’re happy and you know it, [hide_on_uk]stomp[/hide_on_uk][hide_on_us]stamp[/hide_on_us] your feet.
If you’re happy and you know it, [hide_on_uk]stomp[/hide_on_uk][hide_on_us]stamp[/hide_on_us] your feet.
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it.
If you’re happy and you know it, [hide_on_uk]stomp[/hide_on_uk][hide_on_us]stamp[/hide_on_us] your feet.
Verse 3:
If you’re happy and you know it, say “We are!”
If you’re happy and you know it, say “We are!”
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it, say “We are!”
Verse 4:
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three.
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three.
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three.
Gestures and activities to use with the If you’re happy & you know it song
The actions are very simple: as you sing march on the spot and do the actions from the song (clap your hands, [hide_on_uk]stomp[/hide_on_uk][hide_on_us]stamp[/hide_on_us] your feet, say “We are”, do all three).
Using the If you’re happy & you know it song in class
This song can be used with the lesson theme of emotions & feelings (for the word “happy”) or when teaching action verbs. However, we like to use it as a fun, quick activity in the following situations:
- At the beginning of the lesson as a fun warm up.
- At the end of the lesson to end the class on a fun high note.
- As an energy burner: if your kids have far too much energy and you are having a bit of trouble controlling them, running through this song a couple of times will help to burn off some of that extra energy.
- As a wake-me-up: if your kids are getting a bit lethargic and need a boost, get everyone up, singing and marching along to this song. It will wake them right up!
- As a reward: kids just love this song! Encourage everyone to do well in an activity by promising them that they can sing this song afterwards if they do a good job.
- As a request: sometimes it’s nice to ask your students what they would like to do next. I will often give some options (e.g. play a particular game, read a story, sing a song, etc.) including this song.
Our ESL kids songs
Greetings:
Actions, Verbs & Ability:
- Directions song
- Morning routines song
- Past irregular verbs song
- What can you do? (ability)
- What sports do you play?
- What are you doing? (present continuous)
- What did you do yesterday? (past irregular verbs)
- Yesterday was a great day! (past regular verbs)
Adjectives, Adverbs & Emotions:
- Describe your friend (adjectives)
- Feelings song
- If you’re happy & you know it
- Let’s have some fun! (adverbs)
- Let’s look at the animals (adjectives)
- Who is happy? (subject pronouns)
Alphabet & Numbers:
Animals:
- [hide_on_uk]Do you have[/hide_on_uk][hide_on_us]Have you got[/hide_on_us] any pets?
- Old MacDonald
- Let’s go to the zoo
- Let’s look at the animals (adjectives)
Body, Shapes & [hide_on_uk]Colors[/hide_on_uk][hide_on_us]Colours[/hide_on_us]:
- Head, shoulders, knees & toes
- Mr. Shape Head
- Rainbow song ([hide_on_uk]colors[/hide_on_uk][hide_on_us]colours[/hide_on_us])
Directions, Prepositions & Transport:
- Directions song
- How did you get here today? (transport)
- Wheels on the bus
- Where are my things? (prepositions of location)
Food & Likes:
Holidays:
- Easter song
- Happy Halloween
- Three little witches
- Thanksgiving song
- Jingle bells
- We wish you a merry Christmas
Our world & Places:
Time & Weather:
Others: