Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley is a traditional English nursery rhyme and singing game.
This nursery rhyme and game are a simple and enjoyable way for children to learn about different crops and their growth.
It encourages participation, movement, and creativity, making it a popular choice for young children in various settings, such as schools and playgroups.
Lyrics for Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grow
CHORUS:
Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow.
Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow.
Do you or I or anyone know,
How oats, peas, beans, and barley grow?
First, the farmer sows his seed.
Then, he stands and takes his ease,
Stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns around to view his land.
CHORUS
Next, the farmer waters the seed.
Then, he stands and takes his ease,
Stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns around to view his land.
CHORUS
Next, the farmer hoes the weeds.
Then, he stands and takes his ease,
Stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns around to view his land.
CHORUS
Last, the farmer harvests his seed.
Then, he stands and takes his ease,
Stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns around to view his land.
How to play the singing game for Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grow
The song has been passed down through generations and is often sung by children in a circle, with one child chosen to be in the center.
As the song is sung, the children in the circle perform specific actions or movements, and when the song reaches a certain point, the child in the center must perform an action that matches the lyrics.
First, the children in the circle mimic the growth of these crops by using their hands to simulate the actions.
For example, they may raise their hands above their heads to represent the growth of the plants.
Then, when the song reaches the final line, the child in the center chooses a specific action or movement, and the others in the circle mimic this action.
The child in the center can choose any action, often resulting in a fun and playful activity for the children.