Every kid loves the flavor of apple pie, so why not use it to teach them the alphabet? "A Was An Apple Pie" cleverly uses this sweet treat's metaphor throughout the poem to acquaint children with the letters of the alphabet. Each one tells the children what they can do with the Apple pie - cut, deal, eat, jump, keep, and so much more!
But did you know that this educational nursery rhyme traces its origin back to the 17th century? Yes, it is that old! Read on to learn more about the poem, its history, and its evolution through the decades.
Written lyrics
A Was An Apple Pie
B bit it,
C cut it,
D dealt it,
E eat it,
F fought for it,
G got it,
H had it,
I inspected it,
J jumped for it,
K kept it,
L longed for it,
M mourned for it,
N nodded at it,
O opened it,
P peeped in it,
Q quartered it,
R ran for it,
S stole it,
T took it,
U upset it,
V viewed it,
W wanted it,
X, Y, Z and ampersand
All wished for a piece in hand.
Printable lyrics
Make this amazing poem a part of your child's room, or teach them through an attractive printable. Download yours here!
Photo lyrics
Video links
Watch the following video with its amazing visuals to keep your children entertained!
Origins and history
"A Was An Apple Pie" has been used to teach the alphabet to children since the 17th century. The first mention of the poem dates back to a religious text in 1671. However, it only covered the alphabet from A to G. Its printed version was first available in a children's book, Child’s New Plaything: Being a spelling book intended to make the learning to read a diversion instead of a task (London 1742, Boston 1750).
It was then followed by Om Thumb's Playbook to teach children their letters as soon as they can speak, being a new and pleasant method to allure little ones in the first principles of learning (London 1747; Boston 1764).
The 18th-century version covered all alphabet, excluding capital letters I and J and U and V. This was because these letters weren't differentiated and hence, not a part of the alphabet. I and J were later added and hooked with "I inspected it" and "U upset it."
FAQ
The purpose of ‘A Was An Apple Pie' is to provide young learners with an easy and fun way to learn the alphabet. It also serves to entertain children as they rush through the rhyme while reciting it out loud.
Every line of the poem uses personification. The letters express what they wish to do to the letter A i.e. apple pie. Actions from each line include, eating, munching, cutting, stealing, inspecting, jumping, etc.
The poem ‘A Was An Apple Pie' dates back to the 17th century. First published in 1671, the poem founf its first publication in Child’s New Plaything: Being a spelling-book intended to make the learning to read a diversion instead of a task.
Leave a Reply