Song of the Month

Every month the song/dance/activity will change. Many of the songs will be from my Recordings. Please print the page and do the activity with your child. Teachers may print the page to use with their classes. If you have questions, Contact Me.

June 2010

Sally Go 'Round the Sunshine!

Listen to the whole song on Dancing Feet, or hear it here:

This lively circle dance can be done many ways – and is fun no matter which way you choose! According to Peter and Mary Alice Amidon, it's an African American version of "Sally Go Round the Sun", which I learned as a child in Massachusetts. It's simple enough for a 4-year old, but enjoyed by all ages – even mixed adult/child audiences. It's a great activity for indoors OR outdoors, and can be done by a small or large group. Make sure you give it a lusty grunt!

Lyrics:

Sally go 'round the sunshine Sally go 'round the moon Sally go 'round the sunshine All in an afternoon, HUNH!

Dance Form:

Make a hand-holding circle. Walk to the right while singing the song. On the "HUNH!", jump in the air and turn to face the other direction! Repeat walking to the left, changing direction in the same manner at the end of the verse! Simple and fun! Each repetition, walk a little faster – to a trot or run, depending on the age and physical skills of the children dancing. VARIATION: From my friend and fellow music educator Brigid Finucane, I learned the following wonderful variation. Pick a language you'd like the children to learn to count in –- I'll use Spanish here – and each time you "HUNH!" count, adding a number each verse. So after the first HUNH, you'd say "Uno!" Then continue in the opposite direction. After the next HUNH, say "Uno, dos", and start another verse. Third HUNH, say "Uno, dos, tres!" And so on up to 5 if you like! With younger children, 4's and 5's, I don't speed the dance up when doing the counting. It's enough to stop and count! With older children, go for it!

Age Range: 4 –- adult!

Purpose: moving in rhythm with the song, cooperative movement, aerobic activity

Extended Activities: This song is great coupled with "Mister Sun" on "BALONEY!". Also, if you know the old singing game "Sally Go 'Round the Sun", you can couple this song with that, using different types of movement such as "Sally hop 'round the sun" or crawl, run, spin. (lyrics: Sally go 'round the sun, Sally go 'round the moon, Sally go 'round the chimneytops, every afternoon.)

More Songs of the Month