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The Skeleton Dance

This song is based on a traditional spiritual hymn from the American South. “Dem Bones” (or “Dry Bones” as it is also called) was written to teach children about basic anatomy. Over the years, it’s been recorded by numerous artists, including the Delta Rhythm Boys, Fats Waller and Rosemary Clooney, all well known American artists.

We’ve been asked numerous times what “dem bones” means. Well, it is a colloquial, or informal, way of saying “those bones” (or them bones). It’s not really “correct” English, but because it is traditional song with a strong regional feel of the American southeast, we kept it as “dem.”

In addition to teaching on parts of the body, The Skeleton Dance helps teach left and right. It’s perfect for studying new parts of the body, and with the sing along version, you can add in your own.

Left and Right

One of the fun features of this song is working on left and right. This can be a tricky concept for young learners and one that can take a bit of time to learn. Many very young learners may not know left or right in their native language, so don’t be too concerned if they don’t understand. Just keep practicing and have fun!

The updated video mirrors the side that the kids need to shake their hands for it to be their left, we recommend that you do the same. If you are facing the class, you will be shaking to your right, but the kids will go to their left (just like in aerobics class ^_^)

If this is confusing, try turning around so that you face the same direction as the kids, that way their left is also your left.

This concept is best practiced consistently and in a variety of ways. Here are some more left/right teaching ideas:

• For students that know their alphabet, have them hold their hands out in front of them with only the index fingers and thumbs outstretched. The side that makes an “L” is the left.
• Put a stamp or sticker ONLY on the right hand. Students will have to give you the correct hand to receive it. Have students raise their right hand, right foot, right elbow, etc. After a few times on the right, switch to the left.
• Divide a white board in two halves, labeled Left and Right (or L and R). Using magnets or markers, give students verbal commands as to which side to put the magnet or write on.
• Make a maze in class out of chairs, desks or other furniture. Blindfold one student and have the other students guide her through the maze by giving her verbal directions, such as “turn left,” “turn right,” “go straight ahead for three steps,” etc. Older kids, 7 and up, love this activity.

We hope you have a Happy Halloween!

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Doing The Skeleton Dance

The Skeleton Dance is a fun and danceable way to work on learning parts of the body. No “teaching” necessary. Just put the song on and go! It’s a great addition to Head Shoulders Knees And Toes, because it adds even more body parts like foot, leg, hip, and neck. You’ll work your way up the body and there’s a couple of dance steps that are sure to make kids giggle.

Classroom Activity – The Freeze Dance

Play The Skeleton Dance video or song, and sing and dance along. It’s really easy to follow. At some point during the song, stop the music. When the music stops, the kids should stop moving and freeze. Point to your knee and ask “What’s this?” After they answer correctly, start the music again. Continue dancing, freezing, and naming parts of the body.

Try the Freeze Dance at your Halloween Party!

Shake Your Hands to the Left

You can also use this song to work on left and right, concepts that can be a little tricky for kids to understand. Remember that when facing your students, your right is their left, and your left is their right! Use the video to help practice this one. If you get confused, it helps if you turn around and face the same direction as the kids.

Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle

How about making some masks or costumes to dress up before singing? This song works well at parent performances too. Check out these cute and easy costume ideas from MILK English in South Korea.

Follow it all up with some simple skeleton worksheets, and you’ve got parts of the body and left/right covered!

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