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Elementary School Rhymes

By Razzak Osemobor | November 11, 2025

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Taking us back down memory lane are some funny rhymes many dignitaries sang in their elementary schools during morning assembly before marching into the classroom to commence school lessons. While a few convey meaning, others were created for fun. Checking some out, there is no doubt you’ll find awkward phrasing, but the rhythmic tone made us sing and repeat them with much ecstasy.

Here are some rhymes from my days in elementary school. While a few might have been adopted from international schools, some were crafted by our teachers, and some of these rhymes are still in use in many schools today.

1. Hippopotamus

   Hip father Hi
   father hi poppo
   popo father hipopo
   and ta ta
   father hippopotamus
   hippopotamus!

2. Rain, Rain, Go Away

   Rain, rain, go away
   Go and come another day
   Little John wants to go to school.

3. Sandalili (8x)

   Sandalili, sandalili, sandalili, sandalili,
   Sandalili, sandalili, sandalili, sandalili.

4. Holiday is Over

   Holiday is over
   La la la
   Holiday is over
   la la la la la la.

   This rhyme was a welcoming note to all students, asserting the beginning of a new term and resumption of school after a long break.

5. Parents Listen Your Children

   Parents listen your children,
   We are the leaders of tomorrow,
   Try and pay our school fees
   And give us sound education.

   A reminder rhyme to parents to pay up their wards’ school fees.

6. We Are H A P P Y

   We are H A P P Y, HAPPY
   We are H A P P Y
   We know you are
   And you know we are
   We are H A P P Y, HAPPY.

7. If You Are Happy and You Know It

   If you are happy and you know it, clap your hands (2x)
   If you are happy and you know it and you really want to show
   If you are happy and you know it, clap your hands.

8. Two Little Black Birds

   There were two little black birds sitting on the wall
   One named Peter, one named Paul
   Fly away Peter! Fly away Paul!
   Come back Peter! Come back Paul!
   Come back two little black birds sitting on the wall.

9. My Head, My Shoulder, My Knee, My Toe

   My head, my shoulder, my knee, my toe (3x)
   All belong to Jesus.

10. Wherever You Go

    Wherever you go
    Wherever you be
    Do not say yes when you mean to say no.

    This rhyme encourages honesty, courage, and good morals.

11. We Shall Make Nigeria Great Great

    We shall make Nigeria great, great, great(3x)
    Right now and forever.

    A declaration rhyme emphasizing change and national growth.

While some rhymes were mastered word-for-word in each stanza, some of us found it difficult, consequently singing through the nose or lifting the mouth up and down to mimic others.

Education & Exams — English Courses — IELTS — Cultural Programmes — Study UK

Share in the comment section:

• If you came across these rhymes and you observed any word or line omitted.
• Write any memorable one that made you delighted in your elementary school days.

In the next episode, I will share audio recordings for all these rhymes. Stay tuned.