Ribbit, ribbit! Hop into this silly counting song that makes learning numbers fun.
Looking for a toad-ally entertaining song to sing with your kids? This classic song is a winner. It's super catchy and repeats just enough that kids can easily jump in and sing along. Plus, it's a great way to help them learn rhythm, work on their memory through repetition, and practice listening skills.
Five little speckled frogs Sat on a speckled log Eating the most delicious bugs Yum, yum! One jumped into the pool Where it was nice and cool Then there were four green speckled frogs Glub, glub!
Four little speckled frogs Sat on a speckled log Eating the most delicious bugs Yum, yum! One jumped into the pool Where it was nice and cool Then there were three green speckled frogs Glub, glub!
Three little speckled frogs Sat on a speckled log Eating the most delicious bugs Yum, yum! One jumped into the pool Where it was nice and cool Then there were two green speckled frogs Glub, glub!
Two little speckled frogs Sat on a speckled log Eating the most delicious bugs Yum, yum! One jumped into the pool Where it was nice and cool Then there was one green speckled frog Glub, glub!
One little speckled frog Sat on a speckled log Eating the most delicious bugs Yum, yum! He jumped into the pool Where it was nice and cool Then there were no green speckled frogs Glub, glub!
"Five Little Speckled Frogs" has been a staple in nursery schools and kindergartens for generations. While its exact origins are unclear, it's part of a tradition of counting songs that use subtraction to help children learn early math concepts. The song follows in the footsteps of other "counting down" rhymes like "Five Little Monkeys" and "Ten in the Bed," which have been teaching children to count backward for decades.
The song's popularity grew significantly in the late 20th century as early childhood educators recognized its value in teaching both math skills and natural science concepts. Today, it appears in countless children's music compilations, educational videos, and preschool curricula around the world.
The brilliance of "Five Little Speckled Frogs" lies in how it combines education with entertainment. Children enjoy the repetitive structure and the playful sound effects ("Yum, yum!" and "Glub, glub!") that invite participation. The predictable pattern helps build anticipation as each frog takes its turn to jump.
The song teaches counting backward from five to zero, introduces subtraction concepts, and even incorporates nature themes as children learn about frogs and their habitats. The accompanying hand motions—five fingers representing frogs that disappear one by one—add a kinesthetic element that reinforces counting skills.
Its catchy melody and simple lyrics make it accessible to very young children, while the counting element keeps it relevant as they develop early math skills.
This article was crafted with the assistance of an AI language model. The final content was reviewed and edited by a human and reflects the editorial judgment and expertise of Today's Parent.
Expert tips, stories and support straight to your inbox.