Over the River and Through the Woods

Ideas for the Elementary Music Classroom

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Thanksgiving…the unofficial start to the holiday season and my favorite time of year! I know the holidays are coming when I start humming “Over the River and Through the Woods.” It is definitely one of my favorite Thanksgiving songs to use with my students each year.

My Memories of Over the River and Through the Woods

As a young child, my family lived far from my Grandmother’s house. But we would pack up the car and sing for at least the first 30 minutes of the trip. After that, my brothers and sisters and I would sleep, argue, or play games. My mom would always tell us when we only had 10 minutes left, and again the singing began. This time, we all joined in on “Over the River and Through the Woods.” When we finally spied my Grandma and Grandpa, we would always ask, “do you have pumpkin pie?” Of course, they did!

This classic Thanksgiving song by Lydia Maria Child is such a lovely song and story. I am always surprised around the holidays how many elementary students know the lyrics to the latest pop song, but not the classics like “Over the River and Through the Woods” or “White Christmas.” So, I like to teach this great song and tell my students a little bit about the background of it too.

Background of Over the River and Through the Woods

Lydia Maria Child, who was born in Massachusetts in 1802, wrote the lyrics to “Over the River and Through the Woods.” She first published in 1844 but titled it “The New England Boy’s Song about Thanksgiving Day.” Later the melody was added, and the name was changed to “Over the River and Through the Woods.” The novelist wrote this poem, recalling her family’s annual sleigh ride trips to her grandfather’s house every Thanksgiving Day.

Each year, I first begin the lesson by telling my students a short story about my Thanksgiving memories as a child. I explain how my family would get in our big van and all sing “Over the River and Through the Woods” on our commute to my Grandparents’ house. Students just love hearing stories about their teachers. Then I read the story book to the students. I explain to them that the lyrics of the poem were written by a woman who was telling us about her Thanksgiving journey. Each year they really seem to enjoy hearing about it. 

Class Discussion of Over the River and Through the Woods

After reading the book, I love hearing what my students are thinking. I encourage any questions they have, and each year they ask lots of great ones too. “How long did it take her to get to grandfather’s house?” My reply: “not too long,” since she grew up in Medford, Massachusetts, and her grandfather lived in the same town. This question then leads to everyone sharing their Thanksgiving day traditions, commute, and favorite songs to sing in the car.

A discussion of some words in the poem may be necessary for young students. Explain that Lydia too this journey on a sleigh with horses pulling it and not a car. Also discuss with students what it means for the wind to “sting the toes and bit the nose.” Ask students what they think “a dapple gray” and “hunting hound” is. This will help them understand the meaning and background of the song.

This is a great video to show your students. It will help them understand and see what Lydia would have riding on as a child.

Comparing Different Versions

If you have time, another rewarding activity is to compare different versions of this book. I have found various copies with pictures of old-fashioned sleigh rides that Lydia experienced as a child, as well as modern-day pictures and re-written lyrics. A comparison of the different words and/or pictures can be a great opportunity for writing. Here are a few of my favorite versions of “Over the River and Through the Woods.”

• “Over the River and Through the Wood” – Linda Ashman and Kim Smith
• “Over the River and Through the Wood” – Emma Randall
• “Over the River and Through the Wood” – Christopher Manson
• “Over the River and Through the Wood” – David Catrow (has an adorable modern look and feel)

When that discussion is over, I explain that someone wrote a melody to go with the poem. They turned it into a song, and we will be learning it today. I love this song because there are so many different options to adding instruments, dancing, and movement. Each year I enjoy finding new activities to use with the song. I hope that some of these ideas can help you and your students in the future.

Activities for Over the River and Through the Woods

“Over the River and Through the Woods” is a song written in 6/8 meter. Discuss with your young students what it means to gallop. Have them practice galloping around the room to the song. Help them recognize the difference between this song and a song in 4/4, which they hear way more often.

Kindergarten and 1st Grade

With young Kindergarten students, it is easy to transfer this foot gallop to an instrument like temple blocks or wood blocks. Have students play the “clip—clop clip—clop” pattern or the quarter – 8th note pattern with the song. While this first group is practicing their galloping job, have other students practice finding the steady beat on their lap. Then transfer this dotted quarter note beat to the jingle bells. This makes a simple and cute accompaniment to “Over the River and Through the Woods.”

2nd and 3rd Grade

With my 2nd and 3rd graders, I like to add a few more rhythmic ostinatos and melodic instruments to the song. Depending on the number of students you have in a group and their ability, you may want to have half of the students play while the other half sing the song. At this age, it is difficult for them to play their rhythmic part accurately and sing the song at the same time. After performing it once, just switch the groups and perform again.

When teaching rhythmic ostinatos to accompany a song like “Over the River and Through the Woods,” try to give students words to put on their instrument. If they can speak a short phrase that easily matches their rhythm, they will be way more likely to conquer it. For example, I have the hand drums or djembes first say their phrase, and then transfer it to their hands and instrument (see picture).

You can decide or even let the class vote on if they should layer their parts in and out or all start and end at the same time. I like to try it different ways and let them vote on which they like better.

If interested, I have an arrangement of “Over the River and Through the Woods” available in my store:  TpT store.

More Exciting Activities

The song “Over the River and Through the Woods,” together with students accompanying and singing, can be the perfect concert performance piece. Parents will especially love hearing a classic song sung and played by their children. Additionally, if you teach several grades, taking the above instrument suggestions and merging them together to one recital number won’t be so daunting. Choose a few students from each class that seem to have a handle on the rhythmic and melodic parts, while the rest of the students sing and perform simple motions. 

Another idea for performing “Over the River and Through the Woods,” is to teach your classes a folk dance routine to match the song. A small group of children can perform it while the other groups are singing and playing instruments. You can find a free dance for this song by clicking here.

In conclusion, one very important activity for your students is to have fun! Kids learn through childhood play and exciting activities. If they have any ideas to add to what you have planned, try them out and encourage them to give their suggestions. Inspire students to create their own dance moves, motions, or hand-clapping game to use with “Over the River” song. It will be a memorable lesson for them in the years to come. Maybe they’ll even begin their own family tradition, singing it at Thanksgiving time with their brothers and sisters!

You can find the full arrangement of “Over the River and Through the Woods” in my store:  TpT store.

If you’re looking for more seasonal song ideas for elementary students, check out this blog post.