The Wheels On The Bus

We've arranged this old favorite children's song in a bouncy hip-hop style that seems to fit the song to a tea. Then we added a tightly voiced horn section that pops in for the intro and the interludes. We also give the song to you in two versions for greater versatility. The first version, featured on the full performance track and one of the instrumental only tracks, features six verses. There is a second instrumental track that features ten verses so that you can add other favorites or make up new ones.

One of the most enjoyable parts of this tune is the added motions. Kids love them! Here are the basics for the verses on the recording:

• The wheels on the bus go round and round - ...draw a circle in the air to rhythm...
• The people on the bus go up and down - ...bounce up and down in rhythm...
• The horn on the bus goes beep beep beep - ...hit imaginary horn with flat of hand to beep...
• The wipers on the bus go swish swish swish - ...move arm at elbow back and forth on swish...
• The driver on the bus says, "Move on back!" - ...hitchhike with thumb back over shoulder...

While everyone knows quite a few different verses, here are some others you might want to use:

• The money on the bus goes clink clink clink
• The baby on the bus goes, "waa waa waa"
• The parents on the bus go, "shh shh shh"
• The motor on the bus goes zoom zoom zoom
• (or vroom vroom vroom)

Again, be sure to let your students have the chance to make up their own verses and actions based on their own experiences on the bus.