Ring Around the Big Tree

Children play traditional circle games around the trunk of a big park tree, the way kids have always played in town squares. It works on rhythm, moving in a circle and traditional local games.

How to play

1. Pick a big tree with space around it and make a circle holding hands with the tree in the middle (1 min).
2. Sing 'Al corro de la patata,' a traditional Spanish ring song (like 'Ring Around the Rosie'), circling the tree and crouching down on the last line, 'achupé, achupé, sentadita me quedé' (3 min).
3. Change direction and the way we walk: on tiptoe, hopping, very slow, very fast (2 min).
4. Sing 'El patio de mi casa,' another traditional Spanish ring song, crouching down on 'que se agache y vuelva a agachar,' this time facing the tree (3 min).
5. Make up a chant for the tree together, like 'Big strong tree, tall as can be, round we go so we can see,' and circle to it (2 min).
6. Stop, drop hands and take a bow to the tree (1 min).

Rules

• Nobody lets go of hands while we circle.
• The circle turns the same way.
• When we crouch, we go slowly and don't pull our neighbors.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair is part of the circle and the group moves at their pace; when others crouch, they lower their arms and head.
• Hearing loss: the teacher keeps the beat with big claps and a gesture for 'crouch.'
• Visual impairment: the child holds hands with two buddies who tell them when we change direction.

Learning goals

• Move in a circle to the rhythm of a song.
• Learn and enjoy traditional ring games.
• Coordinate movements with the group.

Teacher tip

If the tree is very wide, the circle gets too big and keeps breaking: pick a medium tree or make the circle a bit away from the trunk. Teach each song standing still first.

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