The Farmer in the Dell, Everyone In
In a circle we sing "The Farmer in the Dell": the farmer steps inside and picks a wife, a child, a dog, a cat…, and each one enters moving like that character. Instead of the cheese standing alone, everyone rushes in for a gentle group hug.
How to play
- The teacher shows a gesture for each character: farmer, wife, child, nurse, dog, cat, rat, cheese (2 min).
- Form the circle; one child enters as the farmer while we walk around (2 min).
- Each verse, someone inside picks another child who enters moving like their character (4 min).
- On the cheese, everyone goes in for a gentle group huddle and says "cheese!" (2 min).
- Play another round with new farmers (2 min).
Rules
- Choose by pointing or offering your hand, no pulling.
- Each character moves its own way: dog on all fours, sneaky cat…
- The cheese never stands alone—we all join!
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, kids enter two at a time and the teacher suggests each gesture.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, everyone invents how their character moves.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, swap the characters for farm animals the group chooses.
Adaptations
- A wheelchair user enters through a wide gap and gestures with the arms.
- Autistic children can enter holding the teacher's hand or do the gesture from outside.
- For deaf or hard-of-hearing kids, show a character card to signal whose turn it is.
Learning goals
- Express characters and animals with the body.
- Choose and be chosen respectfully.
- Experience a cooperative ending where nobody is left out.
Teacher tip
Guide choosing so it isn't always the same kids: "pick someone who hasn't been in yet." Keep the huddle gentle.
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