1. Board books
2. Health
3. Indigenous languages
4. Movement
5. Music
6. Play
7. Preschool children
8. Singing

‘Heads, shoulders, knees and toes’ is a well-known traditional folk song that is sung around the world in many different languages. It is an excellent tool for teaching young children the names of various body parts in an easily remembered and rhythmic pattern. Performances of the song in a range of First Nations languages can be found online.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation has published board books of the song in three First Nations languages. The illustrations by Annie Kubler are from the Child’s Play International Ltd edition and show a range delightful culturally diverse toddlers performing the songs and actions with the accompanying First Nations language text.

‘Heads, shoulders, knees and toes’ is currently available in Garawa translated by Daphne Mawson, Alan Baker and Katie Baker; Jilkminggan Kriol translated by Josie Lardy and Mangarrayi translated by Jessie Roberts and Shelia Conway. The translators hold the copyright © for the individual language translations.

1. Indigenous Literacy Foundation. ‘5 reasons Why Kids Deserve Access to Books in First languages.’ https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/news-events/5-reasons-why-kids-deserve-access-to-books-in-first-languages
2. National Indigenous Times 7 October 2022. Callan Morse. ‘Much- loved children’s classic ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ translated into six First Nations languages.’ https://nit.com.au/07-10-2022/4030/much-loved-childrens-classic-the-very-hungry-caterpillar-translated-into-six-first-nations-languages
3. ABC Indigenous. ‘Heads shoulders, knees and toes’ in Bundjalung, or Yugambeh-Bundjalung, a First Nations language from northeastern New South Wales and South-East Queensland coastal region. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJEP8O7PNaY
4. Playgroup WA (Inc) ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes in Noongar language (South-West WA) https://www.playgroupwa.com.au/head-shoulders-knees-and-toes-noonga/
5. Wikipedia ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head,_Shoulders,_Knees_and_Toes