This seems to be one of the most widespread of all folktales, which may give it some claim to also being the oldest (which can't possibly be proved). In this thread at Folkinfo.org you will find an English version, as well as a Jewish version "Chad Gadyo", and a listing of places the story is known - throughout Europe, Africa, the Americas, and southern Asia.

There is a good chance many of your EFL students will be able to sing you the version from their part of the world.