Circle games are among the oldest of musical games for toddlers. Typically a circle game for toddlers requires holding hands and walking in a circle. These type of games facilitate community, spatial awareness, and cognitive ability to follow directions.
The most familiar of circle games is "Ring-Around-the-Rosy" and most circle games are variations of this standard. "Sally-Go-Round-the-Sun" replicates the same movements as "Ring-Around-the-Rosy."
The words help reinforce the concept of a circle.
"Sally go round the sun.
Sally go round the moon.
Sally go round the chimney tops,
Every afternoon--Boom!"
Children walk in a circle the entire song and jump on or fall down on the word, Boom!
Partner games give children the opportunity for cooperative musical play.
With the game "Row Your Boat," two children sit cross-legged while facing each other. Holding both hands, the children rock and sing:
"Row Row Row Your Boat
Gently down the Stream.
Merrily Merrily Merrily Merrily
Life is but a dream."
The teacher plays an instrument and sings to set the tempo or speed. Change the tempo by singing the song faster and then slow and fast again.
For older toddlers, jumping games teaches control and coordination.
"Jump Jump Jump Jim Joe
Round and Round and Round We Go
Clap Your Hands Together
And Jump Jim Joe."
The partners hold hands and follow the instructions as the words indicate. Jumping, clapping hands, and turning around in circle with their partner on the words "Round."
Many toddlers seem naturally adept with dramatic musical games. Imagination is the key concept. Use percussion instruments to heighten the musical experience.
A large hand-drum, and triangle are used for "Hickory Dickory Dock."
"Hickory Dickory Dock.
The mouse went up the clock.
The clock struck One.
Down he runs. Hickory Dickory Dock"
Two teachers hold hands to make a bridge for the clock. The children creep on all fours underneath the teacher's hands to the other side of the room. As the clock strikes one, indicated by a loud strike and clang on the triangle, the children/mice run back on all fours to their starting place.
Part of the learning process in music and movement is awareness and control of self. Introduce rules in an upbeat and matter of fact manner. This helps toddlers to differentiate self-discipline as positive and not punitive.
The goals in teaching musical games is to foster a love of music, the ability to enjoy the musical experience and appreciation of the body in movement. Young children should not be forced to participate. While some toddlers are eager to lead, others may need to watch first.
Toddlers respond to live music, and a teacher does not need to be a trained musician to use instruments. Atonal instruments such as drums, bells, rain-sticks and triangles can add great musical elements for toddlers. Provide instruments for independent play for toddlers.