Five Pancakes

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I found 5 pancakes here on my plate

I'll eat just one, I might be late

I'll grab my coat, run out the door

But wait . . . there's still 4 pancakes more

I found 4 pancakes here on my plate

I'll eat just one, I might be late

I'll grab my hat, run out the door

But wait . . . there's still 3 pancakes more

I found 3 pancakes here on my plate

I'll eat just one, I might be late

I'll grab my gloves, run out the door

But wait . . . there's still 2 pancakes more

I found 2 pancakes here on my plate

I'll eat just one, I might be late

I'll grab my scarf, run out the door

But wait . . .

There are 2 strips of bacon

Some sausage and some ham

Yogurt and a fruit cup

A bagel with some jam . . .

And still 1 pancake here on my plate

I'll eat it all, I'm gonna be late

I'll grab my backpack, run out the door

Oh great. I can't eat any more!

Counting songs are always a success in the classroom. A quick search will result in hundreds of choices with content that spans the curriculum and melodies that can be played in a full range of styles. They are also fun to write. In this song, I particularly like the phrase "but wait" because kids love the theatric opportunity it allows in each verse.

While seated, children can practice following along on their fingers with each verse. Or - my friend ,Susan Salidor, music teacher based in Chicago's North Shore, introduced to me what she calls Supersizing a counting song allowing children to be each item. So, in my classes, I sometimes invite children to be the pancakes. They love to lie on the floor and flip over before heading back to their seat when they are "eaten".

I wrote this song in the winter and so often sing the verses by getting dressed as if I were going to school. I made a Five Pancakes YouTube video while the song was still in its infancy. Since then I have added the extra foods before eating the last pancake.

I also use the song year round by having kids grab other objects that they want to take wherever it is we decide we are going. For example: when we are heading off to baseball / softball practice we take our bat, hat, glove, ball, and gym bag. Being open ended with the song gives it much more life throughout the year as well as over time with children as they advance through the school.