5 Little Monkeys
This counting down ESL lesson uses Five Little Monkeys to practise numbers from five to zero. Children finger-count, sing, jump and complete a monkey-number worksheet. They trace the letter M, draw themselves jumping and give a simple spoken description of their picture.
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Lesson format
2 × 45 minutes
Level
Starter
Age group
Ages 4–6
Main focus
Speaking first
What students will learn
Lesson flow
Children finger-count and act out the Five Little Monkeys rhyme, jumping and falling with the song, then complete a monkey-counting worksheet. The second lesson reviews numbers through colouring and letter-M practice, followed by a drawing activity where children draw themselves jumping and describe it aloud, finishing with a countdown recap and a big jump goodbye.
Target language
- • Numbers 1-5
- • Counting forward and backward
- • 'I'm jumping!'
- • Letter recognition
Key vocabulary
- monkey
- jump
- bed
- fall
- doctor
- five
- four
- three
- two
- one
Speaking questions students answer
- • How many monkeys are jumping?
- • How many monkeys are left?
- • Can you count to 5?
- • What are you doing?
- • How many fingers am I holding up?
Recommended teaching contexts
Why this lesson works
The lesson follows a clear progression: Count down from 5 with the Monkeys song, match numbers to monkeys on a worksheet, draw themselves jumping like a monkey. Teachers can open the materials and start immediately, while students move from supported vocabulary practice to purposeful spoken English.