Open Shut Them

"Open Shut Them" is a fingerplay of opposites: open the hands, shut them, clap, drop them in the lap, then creep the fingers up to the chin and almost, but not quite, into the open mouth. The near-miss at the end is the bit children wait for.

Origins

The exact author and origin date of the song are undocumented, as it was transmitted orally for decades before appearing in modern preschool music collections. The song became a staple in library story-times and early education centers across the United States in the late twentieth century. Its structure is closely related to older fingerplays from the kindergarten movement, which used physical imitation to support child development.

Meaning & Interpretation

The lyrics guide the children through simple opposing actions: opening and shutting their hands, clapping, placing hands in their laps, crawling fingers up to the chin, and opening the mouth without letting fingers creep in.

The primary purpose of the song is developmental. The physical actions help infants and toddlers build fine motor skills, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination. It also serves as a language learning tool by introducing spatial concepts and basic opposites like open versus shut. The playful ending, which warns children not to let their hands enter their mouths, provides a fun climax that holds their attention and encourages them to join in.

What does the Open Shut Them song teach children?

The song teaches children the concept of opposites, such as open and shut, through physical movements. It also helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Who wrote the Open Shut Them song?

The song is a traditional, anonymous American fingerplay. Its author and composer are unknown, but it has been used in early education since the late twentieth century.