"The Muffin Man" is a beloved nursery rhyme and singing game that has been enjoyed by children for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to early nineteenth-century England, where it was first recorded in 1820.
The rhyme tells the story of a muffin man from Drury Lane, a bustling and overcrowded area of London that was known for its poverty, brothels, gambling, and crime. In this time period, muffin men were individuals who delivered fresh muffins from house to house, providing a source of affordable and tasty food for the lower classes living in English cities.
Despite its association with a rough and unsavory part of town, The Muffin Man has managed to maintain its popularity and continues to be a beloved and enduring children's song. Its catchy tune and simple lyrics have helped it to stand the test of time, and it remains a classic that is enjoyed by children and adults alike.
What a Teacher Should Note When Demonstrating Muffin Man Rhyme
Make sure all the children are able to hear and see each other: It is important that all the children can see and hear each other clearly so that they can sing and perform actions in unison.
Encourage participation: Encourage all the children to participate in the game, even if they are shy or not confident in their singing abilities. The game is meant to be fun and enjoyable for everyone.
Demonstrate the actions: If the children are not familiar with the game, you can demonstrate the actions such as clapping or skipping to help them get started.
Modify the game to fit the group: If the group is very young or has children with special needs, you can modify the game to make it more suitable for their abilities. For example, you can use hand gestures instead of clapping or skipping.
Overall, the most important thing is to have fun and encourage the children to engage with the game and each other.
Practical Demonstration Of Muffin Man Game
Do you know the muffin man who lives on Drury Lane?"
The child sitting next to the first child will then reply by singing:
“Do you know the muffin man? The muffin man, the muffin man.
Do you know the muffin man who lives on Drury Lane”
He/She will reply by singing the next verse:
"Yes, I know the muffin man. The muffin man, the muffin man.
Oh, yes, I know the muffin man, who lives on Drury Lane."
Both children will then sing together:
"Then two of us know the muffin man, the muffin man
Yes, two of us know the muffin man, who lives on Drury Lane."
The second child will then turn to the next child in the circle and ask:
"Do you know the muffin man? The muffin man, the muffin man.
Do you know the muffin man who lives on Drury Lane?"
The third child will then sing their reply, and all three children will sing the verse together:
"Then three of us know the muffin man, the muffin man
Yes, three of us know the muffin man, who lives on Drury Lane."
The game continues in this manner, with each child asking the next child in the circle if they know the muffin man, until all the children have been asked. The game ends with all the children singing together:
"We all know the muffin man, the muffin man
Yes, we all know the muffin man, who lives on Drury Lane."
Muffin Man Video
“The Muffin Man” Lyrics
Do [or “Oh, do”] you know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man,
Do you know the muffin man,
Who lives in Drury Lane?
Yes [or “Oh, yes”], I know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man,
Yes, I know the muffin man,
Who lives in Drury Lane.
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“The Muffin Man” Original Version
Do [or “Oh, do”] you know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man,
Do you know the muffin man,
Who lives in Drury Lane?
Yes [or “Oh, yes”], I know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man,
Yes, I know the muffin man,
Who lives in Drury Lane.