Are you looking for a free and easy song that will introduce the festival of Hanukkah (also known as the Festival of Lights) to your class?
I’ve got the perfect song for you!
I use this song in my Hanukkah lesson plan, but it works great as a stand-alone musical activity.
The Dreidel song (also known as “I Have a Little Dreidel”) is a traditional Hanukkah song that introduces one of the more popular games played by children during the celebration of Hanukkah.
Here are the words:
I have a little dreidel. I made it out of clay.
And when it’s dry and ready, then dreidel I shall play.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made it out of clay.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, then dreidel I shall play.It has a lovely body, with legs so short and thin.
When it gets all tired, it drops and then I win!
Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, with leg so short and thin.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, it drops and then I win!My dreidel’s always playful. It loves to dance and spin.
A happy game of dreidel, come play now let’s begin.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, it loves to dance and spin.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel. Come play now let’s begin.I have a little dreidel. I made it out of clay.
When it’s dry and ready, dreidel I shall play.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made you out of clay.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, then dreidel I shall play.
If you have access to a Dreidel (or some kind of toy top), your students can take turns spinning the toy during the song. Enjoy!
You can find free printable sheet music for The Dreidel Song below.