Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed – Kids Song (5 Little Monkeys)
A fun, feel-good version of the classic nursery rhyme "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed." Kids can sing along, count down from 5 to 0, and move their bodies while they listen to the story unfold. Great for preschool and kindergarten circle time, brain breaks, or at-home sing-alongs.
Play Five Little Monkeys on YouTube and enjoy the fun with your kids or class!
This version of "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" keeps all the familiar lyrics kids love – monkeys jumping, bumping their heads, and the grown-ups saying "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" – but with a smooth, feel-good groove that's easy to listen to on repeat.
You can use it as a calm but engaging movement break, a counting song, or part of a bedtime or storytime routine. Kids get to sing along, act out the motions, and practice counting backwards without the music ever feeling too wild or overwhelming.
How to Use "Five Little Monkeys" with Kids
Play it during circle time and have kids hold up 5 fingers, then count down with each verse.
Use it as a quick brain break – let kids gently jump in place, then "fall" safely to a seated position when each monkey bumps its head.
Add it to a numbers or counting unit to reinforce counting backwards from 5 to 0.
Use it at home as a storytime or pre-bedtime song to keep kids engaged while you talk about staying safe on the bed or couch.
Classroom Activities with "Five Little Monkeys"
1. Finger & Body Counting Game
As the song plays, have each child start with 5 fingers up. Every time a monkey "falls off," they lower one finger and do a small, safe movement to match the story.
5 fingers up = 5 monkeys on the bed.
When a monkey falls, kids gently sit or crouch, then stand back up for the next verse.
At the end, ask: "How many monkeys are left on the bed now?"
2. Number Line & Subtraction Story
Turn the song into a simple subtraction lesson. Draw a number line from 0–5 on the board or a chart.
Place 5 monkey pictures or counters above the number 5.
Each time a monkey falls off, move one down and slide a marker from 5 to 4, 4 to 3, and so on.
Say the equation out loud together: "5 – 1 = 4," "4 – 1 = 3," etc.
Let kids take turns moving the monkeys and pointing to the numbers.
3. Safety & Bedtime Rules Chat
After the song, use the story as a gentle way to talk about safety and bedtime routines without lecturing.
Ask: "Why do you think the grown-up said no more jumping?"
List safe places to jump (outside, gym, playground).
Invite kids to help create 2–3 simple "bedtime rules" or "couch rules" for home or school.
If you're at home, write them down and post them near the bed as a reminder.
Who This Song Is Perfect For
Preschool and Pre-K classrooms
Kindergarten
Childcare centers and daycare
Homeschool early learners
Parents looking for a familiar, fun counting song at home
More Fun Songs by David Jack
If your class loves Five Little Monkeys, try these next:
Gotta Hop! – a high-energy movement song with jumping, clapping, and snapping.
The Dinosaur Dip – a dino-themed action song full of stomping and marching.