Hokey Pokey Right and Left
We dance the traditional "Hokey Pokey" in a circle: put a body part in, take it out, shake it all about and turn around. It works on left-right awareness and body parts.
How to play
- Put a band on each child's right wrist; the teacher introduces "right" and "left" (2 min).
- Practice without singing: right hand in, out, in, and shake it (2 min).
- Sing with right hand, left hand, right foot and left foot, turning around on "turn yourself around" (3 min).
- Continue with elbow, knee, head, backside and finally the whole self jumping in (3 min).
- Finish clapping on "that's what it's all about" (2 min).
Rules
- Face the middle and leave room for your neighbor.
- Put in and take out without touching friends.
- Turn around in your own spot.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, skip right and left: "one hand," "one foot," "your head."
Standard
For 4-year-olds, right and left with the wrist band to help.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, no band and add elbow, shoulder and hip.
Adaptations
- Seated children reach hands, feet or head toward the center.
- A neighbor tells a blind or low-vision child which part is next.
- For autistic children, the band plus a body-part picture help them anticipate.
Learning goals
- Tell right from left.
- Identify body parts in English.
- Coordinate movements with the song.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Colored ribbon or wristband: 25
Teacher tip
Stand facing the same way as the kids so the mirror effect doesn't confuse them. Sing slowly the first few times.
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