Head Shoulders Knees and Toes Lyrics

A classic action song teaching children the names of body parts through movement. The challenge of speeding up each verse makes it fun for all ages. Best for ages 18 months–7 years. Occupational therapists consider this one of the most efficient single songs in early childhood — it covers gross motor coordination, body-part vocabulary, proprioception, crossing-the-midline, and following multi-step directions all at once. Use the slow version with toddlers to support body awareness, and the speed-up challenge with older preschoolers to develop motor planning under time pressure. For deeper movement programming, see our [best action songs for toddlers](/blog/best-action-songs-toddlers-movement) and [best songs for body awareness](/blog/best-songs-body-awareness) guides.

Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
And eyes and ears and mouth and nose,
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes!

(Repeat faster each time!)