Each week, I pick out a nursery rhyme to go with my 5yo's letter of the week themed kindergarten curriculum. I get my nursery rhymes from a great sight Zelo.com. This week we are doing the letter G. I looked at my options. the first one that caught my eye was, Goosey Goosey, Gander. Sounds innocent enough, right? Well I read all the lyrics,
Goosey, Goosey, Gander,
Whither shall I wander?
Upstairs, and Downstairs,
And in my lady's chamber.
There I met and old man
Who wouldn't say his prayers!
I took him by the left leg
and threw him down the stairs.
My jaw hit the floor. I couldn't believe it! I am not about to teach my children that if someone does not say their prayers, they should be thrown down the stairs! How's that for being a light unto the world? I want to raise my children to be good witnesses for Jesus Christ, not persecutors of non-believers!
It got me thinking, a year or so ago I found a website that tells you the meaning behind nursery rhymes and songs. It is very eye opening to say the least. I thought it would be interesting to discover the historical meaning behind these rhymes. Maybe it is just me showing what a history nerd I am, but I really like the idea of teaching history through nursery rhymes.
Of course, I am not about to begin this with my 5yo.... I think a few more years of singing "Ring Around the Rosy" innocently and unafraid of the Bubonic Plague are warranted. One day though, I think it would make an interesting series of history lessons.
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