The Farmer in the Dell
A classic nursery rhyme that tells the story of a farming community where each character sequentially chooses or "takes" the next one in the song.
Lyrics
The farmer in the dell, The farmer in the dell, Hi-ho, the derry-o, The farmer in the dell. The farmer takes a wife, The farmer takes a wife, Hi-ho, the derry-o, The farmer takes a wife. The wife takes a child, The wife takes a child, Hi-ho, the derry-o, The wife takes a child. The child takes a nurse, The child takes a nurse, Hi-ho, the derry-o, The child takes a nurse. The nurse takes a cow, The nurse takes a cow, Hi-ho, the derry-o, The nurse takes a cow. The cow takes a dog, The cow takes a dog, Hi-ho, the derry-o, The cow takes a dog. The dog takes a cat, The dog takes a cat, Hi-ho, the derry-o, The dog takes a cat. The cat takes a rat, The cat takes a rat, Hi-ho, the derry-o, The cat takes a rat. The rat takes the cheese, The rat takes the cheese, Hi-ho, the derry-o, The rat takes the cheese. The cheese stands alone, The cheese stands alone, Hi-ho, the derry-o, The cheese stands alone.
Actions
Simple, fun actions that can go along with this rhyme!
01.
Stand in a circle and point to the center to represent the farmer.
02.
Pretend to take someone's hand and lead them into the circle to represent the farmer choosing a wife.
03.
Continue holding hands and lead the child into the circle.
04.
The child lets go of the wife's hand and takes the nurse's hand.
05.
The nurse lets go of the child's hand and mimes milking a cow.
06.
The cow lets go of the nurse's hand and pretend to lead a dog.
07.
The dog lets go of the cow's hand and pretend to lead a cat.
08.
The cat lets go of the dog's hand and pretend to catch a rat.
09.
The rat lets go of the cat's hand and pretend to nibble on cheese.
10.
The cheese pretends to stand by itself in the circle.
Activities
Fun activities that can go along with this rhyme!
Farm Animal Matching Game
Create cards with pictures of farm animals, including those mentioned in the rhyme. Have the children match the animal cards to the corresponding characters in the song.
Circle of Names
In a large circle, have each child choose a character from the rhyme and say its name when it's their turn. For instance, one child says "the farmer," the next child says "the wife," and so on, until everyone has a turn.
Cooking Activity
Make a simple "Farmer's Snack" by providing ingredients like cheese, crackers, and apple slices. Let the children assemble their own snacks while discussing the rhyme.
Learnings
Learnings from this rhyme!
The rhyme teaches children about sequencing, cooperation, and community as characters interact in a playful circle, demonstrating the concept of relationships and interdependence.
Popular Graphics
Popular Videos
The Farmer in the Dell
The Farmer in the Dell
The Farmer in the Dell
More Ideas
