Why Kids Love “Fis Fis Kayıkçı”: Turkish Learning Through Music

Songs are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways for children to learn a new language. Simple melodies, rhymes, and repetitive structures help kids remember new words without even trying. One of the most beloved Turkish nursery rhymes is Fis Fis Kayıkçı—a playful and heartwarming song perfect for toddlers and young children.

Turkish Lyrics: Fis Fis Kayıkçı

Fis fis kayıkçı
Kayıkçının küreği
Hop hop eder yüreği
Akşama fincan böreği
Yavrum yesin büyüsün
Tıpış tıpış yürüsün

English Translation

Row row boatman
The boatman’s paddle
His heart beats with joy
There will be a cup-shaped pastry for dinner
Let my baby eat and grow strong
Let my baby toddle and walk

This sweet and gentle song brings together love, rhythm, and familiar imagery from daily life in Turkey. It’s easy to memorize, fun to sing, and a great introduction to Turkish culture.

New Vocabulary from the Song

This song helps children learn common Turkish words naturally:

• Kayıkçı – boatman

• Kürek – paddle

• Yürek – heart

• Börek – a savory pastry

• Yavrum – my baby

• Tıpış tıpış – the sound of little footsteps

Singing these words in rhythm allows children to grasp both their pronunciation and meaning without stress.

Fun Activities to Reinforce Learning

Row-the-Boat Game
Sit with your child and pretend to row a boat as you sing together. Movements and actions help strengthen memory.

Pretend Play Turkish Dinner
Act out the dinner part of the song by pretending to serve börek and tea. You can even cook simple Turkish dishes together.

Draw and Color Vocabulary
Draw or print images of the words from the song and have your child color them while repeating the Turkish names.

Walk Like a Baby Game
When you sing “Tıpış tıpış yürüsün,” ask your child to walk with little steps like a toddler. It adds fun and motion to the learning.

How Dinolingo Makes Turkish Learning Fun

Fis Fis Kayıkçı is just one of many songs that children can enjoy through Dinolingo, a fun and interactive language learning program for ages 2 to 14. Dinolingo uses songs, animated videos, flashcards, games, and workbooks to teach Turkish in an engaging way. Available on the web, iOS, and Android, Dinolingo also includes a parent dashboard, offline access, and rewards to keep kids motivated. Learning becomes a joyful experience, not a chore.

Why Songs Matter in Language Learning

Children are naturally drawn to music. Nursery rhymes like Fis Fis Kayıkçı improve vocabulary, pronunciation, and listening skills. They also help kids connect emotionally to the new language. When combined with games, visuals, and repetition, a single song can teach far more than a textbook.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re raising a bilingual child or simply exploring a new language, Turkish nursery rhymes like Fis Fis Kayıkçı offer a beautiful and effective start. Add a little movement, some imagination, and consistent practice—and your child will be learning Turkish with joy.

Try incorporating this song into your daily routine, and support your child’s progress with helpful tools like Dinolingo. Every rhyme, every laugh, and every word brings them one step closer to speaking Turkish with confidence.