The Hokey Pokey and Shakespeare's Songs

More in the vein of teaching kids poetry with old and new language: this time imagine singing and dancing the Hokey Pokey with children and then sharing this Shakespearean version of the song with them. Thanks to Grammarly.com on Facebook for posting this hilarious rendition of "The Hokey Pokey."

 

And then perhaps a real Shakespeare song: my favorite is "O Mistress Mine" from Twelfth Night. Here are the lyrics.

O mistress mine, where are you roaming? 

O stay and hear, your true love's coming 

That can sing both high and low. 

Trip no further, pretty sweeting; 

Journeys end in lovers' meeting, 

Ev'ry wise man's son doth know. 

What is love? 'Tis not hereafter; 

Present mirth hath present laughter; 

What's to come is still unsure: 

In delay there lies no plenty; 

Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty; 

Youth's a stuff will not endure.

Here is a great version, sung to the oldest known tune, although the film cuts and other people talking over the singing are distracting. This is perhaps the most authentic version I could find. Here is an excellent audio version, with alternate more upbeat music, that might appeal to kids more than the more sober tune originally sung with the verse. And if you're really interested in giving kids different versions, I highly recommend this young woman's own. This is the version I sang in high school. I love these four-part madrigal songs by Emma Lou Diemer, but this audio is a little scratchy and the accompaniment is terrifying.

And then, if you're still interested in poetry, not having forgotten that inspiration with all the signing and dancing, why not follow up with a Shakespeare sonnet. Depending on the age of the children, the lesson would revolve around dance, song, theater, poetry and silliness!