PJ Library Soundtrack: Body Language

Body Language Ages 3-5 graphic

Do you know how strong your body is?

The central book of Jewish law, the 16th-century code called the Shulchan Aruch (literally, the “set table”), opens this way: “One should start every day as strong as a lion ...”

So let out a roar, and let’s get moving! This playlist will activate your body parts from head to toe. And along the way, you’ll move like different animals (not just a lion) and even learn some fun Hebrew and Yiddish words.

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Tracks 1, 2, and 3

It’s a Hokey-Pokey mix! This medley starts with a full body warm-up, then moves to a Hebrew version featuring these body parts: yad yamin (right hand), regel yamin (right leg), rosh (head), toosik (bottom), and ahf (nose). Last up: Elmo and his buddies.

Grab your favorite stuffie and dance with it!
Can you put your foot in, then out, then back in, then shake it all about?

Track 1 “Hokey Pokey”

This version is performed by David Landau.

Track 2 “Hokey Pokey in Hebrew”

This song is performed by Dana Adini and Dror Keren.

Track 3 “The Hokey Pokey”

Track 3 is performed by the Sesame Street gang.

Tracks 4 and 5

Can you touch your head, shoulders, knees, and toes? OK, but how fast?

Track 4 “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”

Traditional children’s song

Now you’re warmed up for a Hebrew song about kids who jump and dance.

Track 5 “Hayeladim Koftzim (Kids Are Jumping)”

“Kids Are Jumping” is by the Israeli band Shotei Hanevuah

Start jumping and dancing, and whenever you hear this phrase — merimim et hayadayim/gavoha lashamayim raise your hands high to the sky!
- Early in this song, you can also put your hands on your matnayim (hips), k’teifayim (shoulders), and rosh (head).

Track 6

Track 6 “Put Your Hands on Your Feet”

This song is written and performed by Jordan Wax.

Can you put your hands on your head and point to something red? Then you’re on your way to learning your first song that’s part English and part Yiddish (the primary language for Central and Eastern European Jews for over a thousand years). And get ready to patsh mit di hent (clap your hands)!

Track 7

Track 7 “Goofy Guf”

“Goofy Guf” is written by Noah Aronson and Jacob Glickman and performed by Noah Aronson.

Can you use your guf (pronounced GOOF, Hebrew for body) in a goofy way? In this song, you’ll move like different animals, and then you’ll activate these parts of your body: