Here Is the Beehive
Early 20th Century 
UK / USA Lyrics
Here is the beehive,
Where are the bees?
Hidden away where nobody sees.
Watch and you'll see them
Come out of the hive,
One, two, three, four, five!
Actions:
Hold up fist for beehive
Shrug shoulders
Peek through fingers
Slowly open fingers one by one
Pop up each finger as you count
Buzz fingers around like bees!
Where are the bees?
Hidden away where nobody sees.
Watch and you'll see them
Come out of the hive,
One, two, three, four, five!
Actions:
Hold up fist for beehive
Shrug shoulders
Peek through fingers
Slowly open fingers one by one
Pop up each finger as you count
Buzz fingers around like bees!
History and Meaning
"Here Is the Beehive" is a beloved finger play rhyme that has been teaching children counting and fine motor skills for over a century.
Origins
The rhyme emerged in the early 20th century in both Britain and America. It became a classroom staple and remains popular in early childhood education settings today.
As a Finger Play
The rhyme is always performed with hand motions:
- Make a fist to represent the beehive
- "Where are the bees?" – look around questioningly
- "Hidden away where nobody sees" – keep fist closed
- Count up as you pop up each finger one by one
- After "five!" – buzz fingers around like flying bees
Educational Value
The rhyme teaches multiple skills simultaneously:
- Counting: Children learn to count from one to five
- Fine motor skills: Controlling individual finger movements
- Listening: Following along and waiting for cues
- Anticipation: Building excitement to the "buzzing" finale
Nature Education
The rhyme also introduces children to basic concepts about bees:
- Bees live in hives
- Bees are hidden and protected inside
- Many bees live together as a group
Modern Use
"Here Is the Beehive" remains a favorite in nurseries, preschools, and homes worldwide. Its combination of counting, movement, and a fun ending makes it endlessly repeatable.