Brother John
Languages: English, French
Ressource Type: song, nursery rhyme
Theme: traditionnal song
Age-range: infant-preschool, 4 – 8 years
Download the words of the song:
♦ Brother John Lyrics
“Brother John” is a nursery rhyme of French origin traditionally sung in a round. Its original title is “Frère Jacques”. The song is about a monk who has overslept and is urged to wake up and sound the bell for the “matins”.
French version:
Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous ? Dormez-vous ?
Sonnez les matines ! Sonnez les matines !
Ding, daing, dong. Ding, daing, dong.
Traditionnal English Lyrics:
Are you sleeping?
Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John,
Morning bells are ringing! Morning bells are ringing!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
English Translation:
Brother Jacques
Brother Jacques, Brother Jacques,
Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?
Ring [the bells for] matins! Ring [the bells for] matins!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
Culture and Vocabulary:
- to sleep, brother, morning, bell
Grammar:
- structure « Are you + …ing? »
Phonology:
- syllabic and rhythmic structures
Teaching suggestions:
- Work on the structure “Are you +… ing? “
- sing the song in several languages http://demonsaumonde.free.fr/frere.jacques/
- activities Brother John
Videos of the song “Brother John” in English:
Video of the song “Frère Jacques” in French:
Related posts:
Mr Turkey – Thanksgiving Nursery Rhyme with Lyrics in English and in French
Five Little Shamrocks – Nursery Rhyme Song with Lyrics in French and in English
Rain, Rain, Go Away – Nursery Rhyme with Lyrics in English and in French
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes – Nursery Rhyme Song with Lyrics in French and in English