We Make Our Own Circle Chant

Starting from a fixed line, the children suggest actions and together build a brand-new circle chant that they then dance. It builds creativity, linking words, rhythm and movement, and feeling that the chant belongs to the whole class.

How to play

1. In a circle, the teacher says the fixed line, keeping the beat on the drum while we turn: "Round and round, our circle goes..." and finishes: "...we jump, we jump, up on our toes!" with everyone jumping (2 min).
2. Children suggest other actions to fill in (spin, clap, squat, fly) and the circle tries each one with the line; the teacher keeps track of them (3 min).
3. Choose four actions to make a four-line chant; practice until we know it, doing each action on its line (3 min).
4. Say it fast and slow with the drum, and the circle turns at the chant's speed (2 min).
5. Give it a name (for example, "The Dolphin Class Chant") and say it once really loud (1 min).
6. The last time, whisper it and sit down slowly (1 min).

Rules

• Every idea counts and gets tried.
• We listen to the friend who's sharing.
• Whatever the chant says, the circle does.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: include arm and trunk actions so a child in a wheelchair can suggest and do them all.
• Autism: write or draw each line with its action on the board so the chant stays visible.
• Hearing impairment: pair each line with a sign or an agreed gesture.

Learning goals

• Create movement actions and link them to words.
• Match movement to the rhythm of a chant.
• Build something shared by welcoming others' ideas.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

Write down the actions that didn't make it today for another version, so nobody feels their idea got lost. Use the class chant in the following weeks to open your sessions.

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