Here Comes My Family to the Circle
We start with a tiny circle and, chant by chant, each family joins by saying their names and teaching a move that the whole circle repeats, until everyone is part of one huge mixed circle of kids and grown-ups. It builds rhythm, memory for movements and a warm welcome for every family.
How to play
- The teacher and one child make a circle of two and chant a made-up rhyme: "Round and round, here we go, the ___ family, come on in, hello!" (1 min).
- One family steps up, says their names (for example, "Lucy and her grandpa Joe") and joins the circle holding hands (2 min).
- The new family teaches a move (a clap, a hop, a spin) and the whole circle does it while turning (3 min).
- Keep inviting families until everyone is in; the circle grows and turns bigger and bigger (3 min).
- The teacher calls a family's name and the whole circle does their move, to remember them all (2 min).
- Finish crouching together in the middle, squeezed tight like a pinecone, then spring up shouting "Family!" (1 min).
Rules
- Wait until you're called to join the circle.
- When a family joins, we clap.
- Copy every family's move.
- The circle keeps holding hands.
Variations
Easier
Age 3: only six to eight families join, and the teacher helps each one choose a move.
Standard
Age 4: all families join and each chooses its own move.
Harder
Age 5: at the end, the circle links three families' moves in a row from memory.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the circle turns slowly at their pace and, in a wheelchair, neighbors hold hands over the armrests.
- Hearing impairment: say each family's name with a sign or invented gesture, and back the rhyme with visible claps.
- All kinds of families: each child introduces whoever came with them however they like (mom, dad, two moms, grandma, uncle, a neighbor, their caregiver).
Learning goals
- Keep the rhythm of a rhyme while turning in a circle.
- Remember and imitate other people's moves.
- Feel welcome and welcome the families in the group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Tambourine
Teacher tip
Let the child say who came with them; don't assume it's "your mom." If the group is very big, run two growing circles at the same time and join them into one at the end.
PatioLab has "Here Comes My Family to the Circle" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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