I Had a Little Turtle

"I Had a Little Turtle" (also known as "There Was a Little Turtle" or "Tiny Tim") is a beloved American children's finger play song that has been entertaining young children for over a century.

Origins

The rhyme emerged in the early 20th century United States and quickly became a classroom and nursery favorite. Its exact origins are unclear, but it appears in children's song collections from the 1920s onward.

Meaning and Interpretation

The rhyme tells a humorous story about a pet turtle with a silly mishap:

• A turtle named Tiny Tim is placed in a bathtub
• The turtle drinks all the water and eats the soap
• The turtle ends up sick with bubbles

The absurd scenario appeals to children's sense of humor while the "bubble" ending creates an interactive, fun conclusion.

As a Finger Play

The rhyme is commonly performed with hand motions:

• Making a fist for the turtle shell
• Miming swimming and drinking actions
• Poking the belly for bubbles
• Everyone shouting "POP!" at the end

Educational Value

This rhyme helps develop:

• Fine motor skills through finger movements
• Listening and following directions
• Vocabulary related to bath time
• Cause and effect understanding