All Around the Green Apple Tree

This game is simple, and one that could be used to practice steady beat or played with a sub. It could also be used as an covert way to practice student names, in case you’re still struggling with some. With hundreds of student names to memorize, it’s always good to get in a sneaky review.

GAME DIRECTIONS:

Students stand in a circle, facing inward with hands together. Students step clockwise to the beat as they sing. When a student’s name is sung, that student must turn and face outward, then rejoin hands. Students continue singing until everyone has turned around.

REMINDERS FOR YOUR STUDENTS

I always found that a few well-chosen reminders for my students were good before games like this. And it’s always a good idea to dramatically act out all possible scenarios. The more entertaining your reminders, the more likely your students are to remember them. Here they are:

1. Take small steps, otherwise you’ll be stepping on someone else’s toes…literally.
2. Joining hands does not mean squeezing hands.
3. Joining hands does not mean yanking on someone’s arms.
4. After you turn around, you’ll have to move in the opposite direction you did before.

This song is fantastic for helping students move to and feel syncopated rhythms. The phrase “turn back your back” occurs repeatedly in the song.

After students have experienced the song with the circle game, have them practice the syncopated pattern by:

1. Clapping/snapping/tapping out the pattern each time they sing it.
2. Composing their own body percussion to go along with the rhythm.
3. Using rhythm instruments to play the pattern each time they hear it.
4. Playing poison patterns using that rhythm.

Have you ever used this song in your class before? If so, I’d love to hear about it! Also, what tips would you give to teachers playing this circle game? Share your thoughts in the comments below.