Did You Ever See a Lassie?

In a circle we sing "Did You Ever See a Lassie?" and the child in the middle invents a "this way and that way" move that everyone copies. It builds creative movement and imitation.

How to play

1. The teacher stands in the middle and shows a side-to-side move, like swaying (2 min).
2. Circle while singing; on "this way and that way," stop and copy (2 min).
3. A child (lassie or laddie) steps into the middle and invents a move (4 min).
4. A new child each round; if someone's stuck, the group helps (2 min).
5. Final round: everyone invents at once and copies a partner (2 min).

Rules

• The one in the middle picks the move and we all copy.
• There are no wrong moves.
• If I don't want to go alone, I can bring a friend.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users can invent arm, trunk or chair-turning moves.
• Autistic or shy children can go to the middle in pairs.
• A buddy describes the move or guides the hands of a blind or low-vision child.

Learning goals

• Create original movements.
• Imitate a classmate's movement.
• Value others' ideas.

Teacher tip

"Lassie" and "laddie" are old Scottish words for girl and boy—use both. Keep ideas ready for anyone who freezes: sway, spin, flap.

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