Sally Go Round the Sun
With the traditional rhyme "Sally Go Round the Sun," kids circle around a "sun" in the middle and jump on "boom!" It warms up with turning, jumping, and direction changes.
How to play
- Place a big hoop in the middle as the sun and form a circle around it (1 min).
- Say the rhyme slowly and practice the "boom!" jump (1 min).
- Walk around the sun and jump together on "boom!" (2 min).
- Repeat jogging, switching direction after each jump (1 min).
- Finish with a tiptoe lap and a big stretch toward the sun (1 min).
Rules
- Everyone circles the same way.
- On "boom!" jump in your own spot.
- If someone falls, the circle stops and waits.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, walk and jump with two feet still holding hands.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, jog and switch direction after each "boom."
Harder
For 5-year-olds, jump and turn halfway around in the air on "boom!"
Adaptations
- A child with limited mobility can be the sun in the middle and call "boom!" with a tambourine.
- Blind or low-vision children hold hands with a trusted friend on each side.
- Kids who can't jump yet slap their knees loudly on "boom!"
Learning goals
- Move in a circle keeping the group's rhythm.
- Jump with two feet on a signal.
- Learn a traditional English rhyme.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large hoop or rope circle: 1
Teacher tip
The rhyme is short (sun, moon, chimney pots, boom)—teach it twice before moving. Make a big pause before "boom."
PatioLab has "Sally Go Round the Sun" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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