A Brief History of “I’m a Little Teapot” 

“I’m a Little Teapot” was written in 1939 by George Harold Sanders and Clarence Z. Kelley as a playful way to teach young children dance movements.

Originally created to help children struggling with the “Waltz Clog” dance routine, the song’s simple lyrics and pantomime actions made it an instant hit. It describes the teapot’s shape and function—“short and stout”—and encourages expressive movement, making it ideal for preschool learning and group play. Over time, it became a beloved nursery rhyme worldwide, often sung with hand gestures that mimic pouring tea.