This is a cumulative song requiring a great deal of concentration.  Each verse is built on the last one so by the time the song is complete the children have to remember eight animals in sequence.  Cause and effect comes into play at two levels: firstly, she swallowed a fly so will there be a consequence?; secondly each animal is swallowed because it is likely to have an effect on the previous animal which in the first few cases is its prey but this becomes a more and more stimulating premise as the song progresses.

This is the ultimate “fly” song and it provides a stimulating set of verbal images well-treated by most illustrators who tackle the subject.  The relentless melody drones on like a mesmerising fly-buzz until the shocking but logical end. Some picture books say “Perhaps she’ll die” and “She’s dead of course”. There are often alternative versions in the traditional repertoire - it’s up toyou to choose.

• A memory activity focussing on sequence
• Suggestions for how to do the activity
• Song lyrics, including a wall chart for display
• A simple score with chords
• The musical concepts featured
• Language and speech development opportunities
• A backing track to support your voice singing “live”
• A matching track with a vocal added to assist you in learning how to sing the song live with your children.

I Know an Old Lady Vocal Preview by Musical Child

I Know an Old Lady Preview by Musical Child