1,2,3,4,5 Once I Caught a Fish Alive
The classic nursery rhyme "1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Once I Caught a Fish Alive" introduces basic numeracy in a fun and interactive way. Young children will love the catchy melody and enthuasiastically engage with the hand actions. This new version of the classic Fish Alive song will have everyone rockin’ along and singing the tune for the rest of the day.
How do children learn through song?
Counting songs are a fabulous way for toddlers and preschoolers to develop memory and recall skills. The rhythmic repetition aids in language development, encourages vocabulary expansion and helps develop pronunciation skills. Animated songs foster a child’s imagination and capture their attention, while also providing an opportunity for movement and participation through actions related to the lyrics. We are sure you remember many songs and actions from your own childhood!
A YouTube video of the children's song 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive. Sing along with actions to this classic tune with a new twist.
Once I Caught a Fish Alive | Song Lyrics
One, two, three, four, five, once I caught a Fish Alive
Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, then I let it go again
Why did you let it go? Because it bit my finger so
Which finger did it bite? This little finger on my right
One, two, three, four, five, once I caught a Fish Alive
Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, then I let it go again
Why did you let it go? Because it bit my finger so
Which finger did it bite? This little finger on my right
Don’t go fishing it’s a dangerous sport
If you use your fingers you might get caught
By a big bad fish, with big bad teeth
So make sure you fish carefully
One, two, three, four, five, once I caught a Fish Alive
Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, then I let it go again
Why did you let it go? Because it bit my finger so
Which finger did it bite? This little finger on my right
Don’t go fishing it’s a dangerous sport
If you use your fingers you might get caught
By a big bad fish, with big bad teeth
So make sure you fish carefully
Fish Counting Games to Play
Go fishing with magnets!
This activity uses a fabulous combination of gross and fine motor skills, an essential part of a child’s development.
Make a fishing rod with a stick, string and magnet attached to the end of the string.
Print and cut out our free numbered fish printables.
Attach a paper clip onto each fish.
Go fishing! Catch two fish. Use your fingers to add the two numbers on them together. How many fingers to you count?
Game varitions:
Can you catch the fish has the same number as your age?
Can you catch the the numbered fish and place them in order from smallest to biggest?
Can you catch the the numbered fish and place them in order from biggest to smallest?
Can you catch two fish that are friends of ten? Their numbers will add up to 10.
Laminate your fish and add water for extra fun and excitement!
Download FREE Activity Pages
Fun Facts about 1,2,3,4,5 Once I Caught a Fish Alive
Surprisingly Shy Beginnings: Believe it or not, this catchy tune wasn't always about fish! Early versions, dating back to around 1765, featured a hare instead.
Counting Classic: This song is a fantastic tool for young children to learn counting from 1 to 10. It incorporates the numbers directly into the lyrics, making it fun and easy to remember.
Action Packed: The song is perfect for adding some physical activity. You can act out catching the fish, reeling it in, and even the surprise bite!
A New Take: Caper Kids has added a new chorus to this well loved children’s classic. We don’t fully disapprove of fishing but you should always take care and fish respectfully.
You might also like these resources by Caper Kids Education
So it’s a little bit misleading. We’re not actually going on a bear hunt. Thank goodness! This song is all about going to find a koala in the Australian bush and yes, you’re right, koala’s are not bears.