Two Circles Trading Hellos

A small circle inside a big one turns in opposite directions to music, and when it stops, each child greets the friend in front of them. It builds keeping your own turning direction while the other circle goes the other way, and connecting with lots of classmates.

How to play

1. Split the class into two groups and make two circles, one inside the other: the inner circle faces out and the outer circle faces in, so we can see each other's faces (2 min).
2. Without music, practice turning slowly: the inner circle toward the window, the outer circle toward the door; stop, then switch directions (2 min).
3. With music, both circles turn in opposite directions; when the music stops, everyone greets the person in front with a high five and says their name (3 min).
4. Change the greeting at each stop: elbow bump, foot tap, a bow, or one the children suggest (3 min).
5. The inner circle lets go, steps through the gaps and joins the outer circle to make one giant circle that turns slowly once around (2 min).

Rules

• Each circle turns its own way.
• When the music stops, greet the friend in front of you.
• Greetings are gentle: tap, don't hit.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair is in the inner circle with a classmate holding hands and turns with help; greetings happen at their hand height.
• Autism: say which greeting is next before stopping the music, and allow a no-touch greeting (a raised hand).
• Hearing impairment: along with stopping the music, the teacher raises both arms to signal the stop.

Learning goals

• Keep your own turning direction while the other circle turns the opposite way.
• Greet and name different classmates.
• Merge two groups into one in an orderly way.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Music

Teacher tip

Use two clear landmarks (window and door) for direction; "right" and "left" still confuse them. With large groups, make circles of about 10 and 14 so everyone fits.

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