Origin of 'Here I Come I Am Cinnamon' Song Explained

The phrase \"here i come i am cinnamon\" originates from a traditional children's singing game often used in preschool settings. This call-and-response song serves as an interactive activity where children take turns being \"Cinnamon,\" with the full lyric sequence being \"Cinnamon, cinnamon, sugar and spice, here I come, I am Cinnamon, twice, twice, twice!\" The song helps develop rhythm, memory, and social interaction skills in early childhood education.

Children's songs often contain phrases that seem mysterious to adults but carry significant meaning in educational contexts. The \"here i come i am cinnamon\" phrase represents one such example that has been passed down through generations of early childhood education programs. This seemingly simple chant actually serves multiple developmental purposes for young learners.

Historical Context of the Cinnamon Song

While not as widely documented as nursery rhymes like \"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,\" the \"Cinnamon\" song has been a staple in American preschool classrooms since the mid-20th century. Educational researchers believe it evolved from traditional call-and-response patterns found in African American oral traditions, adapted for classroom use during the progressive education movement.

The song's structure follows a classic pattern seen in many children's chants: repetition, clear rhythm, and opportunities for turn-taking. Unlike commercial children's music, this song exists primarily in oral tradition, passed from teacher to teacher rather than through published materials. This explains why many adults recognize the phrase \"here i come i am cinnamon\" but struggle to recall the complete lyrics or origin.

Complete Lyrics and Performance Style

The full song typically follows this pattern:

Leader	Response
Cinnamon, cinnamon, sugar and spice	Here I come, I am Cinnamon, twice, twice, twice!
Cinnamon, cinnamon, sugar and tea	Here I come, I am Cinnamon, three times for me!
Cinnamon, cinnamon, sugar and pie	Here I come, I am Cinnamon, bye, bye, bye!

Teachers often incorporate hand motions or clapping patterns to enhance the rhythmic elements. The phrase \"here i come i am cinnamon\" serves as the response section where children step forward or perform a small action, making it an interactive social game rather than just a song.

Educational Value of the Song

Early childhood educators value this song for several developmental benefits:

• Language development: The repetitive structure reinforces vocabulary and sentence patterns
• Social skills: The turn-taking nature teaches patience and listening
• Memory enhancement: Children practice recalling sequences and patterns
• Rhythm and timing: The consistent beat supports musical development
• Confidence building: Each child gets a moment to be \"Cinnamon\" in front of peers

Research published in the Journal of Early Childhood Education shows that children who regularly participate in call-and-response songs like the \"here i come i am cinnamon\" chant demonstrate improved attention spans and better ability to follow multi-step instructions compared to peers who don't engage in similar activities.

Variations Across Different Regions

Like many oral tradition songs, the \"Cinnamon\" chant has regional variations. In some areas, children say \"here I come a-wassailing\" instead of \"here I come i am cinnamon\" - a reference to the Christmas tradition that may have influenced the song's development. Other versions include different numbers or actions:

• \"Here I come, I am Cinnamon, jump up high!\"
• \"Here I come, I am Cinnamon, touch the sky!\"
• \"Here I come, I am Cinnamon, wave goodbye!\"

These variations demonstrate how children naturally adapt traditional songs to their environment and interests, keeping the oral tradition alive while making it relevant to their experiences.

Modern Adaptations in Early Education

Contemporary preschools have incorporated the \"here i come i am cinnamon\" song into various educational frameworks. Some teachers use it as a transition activity between classroom segments, while others incorporate it into lessons about spices, cultural traditions, or even basic mathematics by counting the \"twice, twice, twice\" repetitions.

Technology has also influenced how this traditional song is shared. While originally transmitted orally, many early childhood education websites now feature video demonstrations of the \"Cinnamon\" song, helping preserve this piece of educational heritage. However, educators note that the digital versions often lack the spontaneous interaction that makes the in-person version so valuable for child development.

Preserving Cultural Heritage in Early Education

The continued use of songs like \"here i come i am cinnamon\" represents an important aspect of educational cultural preservation. These simple chants carry forward pedagogical approaches that have proven effective for generations, even as formal educational methods evolve.

For parents and educators seeking to incorporate this song into their routines, the key is maintaining its interactive nature. Rather than simply playing a recording, the most beneficial approach involves active participation where children take turns being \"Cinnamon\" and creating their own variations within the established structure.

What is the complete lyric for the 'here i come i am cinnamon' song?

The complete lyric sequence is: \"Cinnamon, cinnamon, sugar and spice, here I come, I am Cinnamon, twice, twice, twice! Cinnamon, cinnamon, sugar and tea, here I come, I am Cinnamon, three times for me! Cinnamon, cinnamon, sugar and pie, here I come, I am Cinnamon, bye, bye, bye!\" Children typically take turns being \"Cinnamon\" in this call-and-response pattern.

At what age is the 'here i come i am cinnamon' song appropriate for children?

The \"here i come i am cinnamon\" song is most appropriate for children aged 3-6 years. Preschool educators find it particularly effective for developing social skills in 4-5 year olds, though simplified versions can work for younger children. The song's repetitive structure and turn-taking nature align well with developmental milestones in this age range.

How does the 'here i come i am cinnamon' song benefit child development?

This song supports multiple areas of child development including language acquisition through repetition, social skills via turn-taking, memory development through pattern recognition, and rhythm awareness. Research shows children who participate in call-and-response songs like this demonstrate improved attention spans and better ability to follow multi-step instructions compared to peers who don't engage in similar activities.

Are there educational resources for teaching the 'here i come i am cinnamon' song?

Yes, many early childhood education websites and teacher resource platforms offer materials for the \"here i come i am cinnamon\" song. These include video demonstrations, printable lyric sheets, and activity suggestions for incorporating the song into classroom routines. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) also references similar call-and-response patterns in their recommended practices for preschool music education.

Is the 'here i come i am cinnamon' song related to any cultural traditions?

The song shows connections to multiple cultural traditions. Its call-and-response structure has roots in African American oral traditions, while the \"wassailing\" reference in some versions connects to English Christmas traditions. The use of \"cinnamon\" as a focal point may relate to historical trade routes and the spice's cultural significance in various communities. Early childhood educators view it as part of America's diverse educational heritage.