Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush

We circle singing "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush," and each verse acts out a daily routine: washing faces, brushing teeth, combing hair, putting on coats. It blends movement, rhythm and healthy habits.

How to play

1. Hold hands in a circle; the teacher teaches the chorus going round an imaginary bush (2 min).
2. Stop and practice routine moves: washing face, brushing teeth, washing hands (2 min).
3. Alternate: chorus while circling, verse standing still doing the routine ("this is the way we…") (4 min).
4. Each child suggests a routine for everyone to act out (2 min).
5. Last verse: "this is the way we go to sleep," lying down for a moment (2 min).

Rules

• During the chorus, everyone circles the same way.
• During the verse, let go and do the motion.
• Every idea counts.

Variations

Adaptations

• A wheelchair user circles with the group and acts out routines with arms and head.
• For hard-of-hearing kids, show a picture for each routine when the verse changes.
• For autistic children, a picture schedule of the routines adds predictability.

Learning goals

• Act out hygiene and self-care habits.
• Alternate circling and moving in place.
• Learn a traditional English song.

Teacher tip

Great moment to talk about handwashing and brushing teeth. If the circle falls apart when hands let go, do routines facing the center.

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