Hand actions for Pop Goes the Weasel
Pop Goes the Weasel is an action rhyme, so act it out together as you sing. Here are the movements that go with each part:
- Sway or clap gently through the first three lines
- Jump up or clap loudly on the word "Pop!"
- Sit back down and start again
What does Pop Goes the Weasel mean?
A lively, playful dance song with a big surprise "Pop!" at the end of each verse, which children love to jump on. The old words are mostly for fun and the bouncy tune.
What Pop Goes the Weasel teaches
Beyond being fun to sing, this rhyme quietly builds several early skills:
- Listening for a surprise word and reacting
- Jumping and moving to a beat
- Anticipation, waiting for the "Pop!"
- A fun, bouncy rhythm
When your child knows it well, our fun games for kids carry the same early skills into playful practice.
Where Pop Goes the Weasel comes from
Pop Goes the Weasel is an English dance song from the 1850s. The old words use money and market terms, and children have always loved the surprise "Pop!" the most.
Fun activities
- Jump up together on every "Pop!"
- Play it faster and faster for more giggles
- Take turns being the one who pops up
Frequently asked questions
What are the words to Pop Goes the Weasel?
Half a pound of tuppenny rice, half a pound of treacle. That's the way the money goes, pop! goes the weasel.
How do you play Pop Goes the Weasel?
Sway or clap gently through the verse, then jump up or clap loudly on the surprise word "Pop!", which is the part children love most.
What does Pop Goes the Weasel mean?
The old words are mostly playful and their exact meaning is debated, so it is best enjoyed as a fun, bouncy dance song built around the surprise "Pop!"