If You’re Happy & You Know It

If you’re happy and you know it, say “We are!”
If you’re happy and you know it, say “We are!”
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it, say “We are!”

Verse 4:

If you’re happy and you know it, do all three.
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three.
If you’re happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three.

Gestures and activities to use with “If You’re Happy & You Know It”

The actions are very simple: as you sing march on the spot and do the actions from the song (clap your hands, stomp your feet, say “We are”, do all three).

Using “If You’re Happy & You Know It” in class

This song can be used with the lesson theme of emotions & feelings (for the word “happy”) or when teaching action verbs.  However, we like to use it as a fun, quick activity in the following situations:

• At the beginning of the lesson as a fun warm up.
• At the end of the lesson to end the class on a fun high note.
• As an energy burner: if your kids have far too much energy and you are having a bit of trouble controlling them, running through this song a couple of times will help to burn off some of that extra energy.
• As a wake-me-up: if your kids are getting a bit lethargic and need a boost, get everyone up, singing and marching along to this song.  It will wake them right up!
• As a reward: kids just love this song!  Encourage everyone to do well in an activity by promising them that they can sing this song afterwards if they do a good job.
• As a request: sometimes it’s nice to ask your students what they would like to do next.  I will often give some options (e.g. play a particular game, read a story, sing a song, etc.) including this song.