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Circle and Singing Games. Singing games combine music, movement, and simple rules. They help children take turns, listen, and play together. These 6 classics work for circle time, playdates, and family gatherings.
- 6 songs
- Ages 3–5
- 5–15 minutes
- Actions and ideas for every song
About the lyrics: this page lists song titles, what each song teaches, and ways to use it. It does not reprint lyrics. You can find the words and recordings in children’s songbooks, at your local library, or on official channels from the artists and publishers. Many of these songs are traditional, and versions can differ from place to place.
Quick Picks
Use this table to find a song by type and main skill. Tap a song name to jump to ideas for using it.
| # | Song | Type | Main skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush | Circle game | Daily routines |
| 2 | Skip to My Lou | Dance song | Rhythm |
| 3 | The Muffin Man | Question song | Question and answer |
| 4 | Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grow | Action song | Farm words |
| 5 | A-Tisket, A-Tasket | Singing game | Listening |
| 6 | Bluebird, Bluebird, Through My Window | Singing game | Patterns |
Why Circle and Singing Games Help Preschoolers
Singing games combine music with movement and rules. They help children take turns, listen, and play together.
Turn-taking
Singing games have built-in turns, so children practice waiting and sharing.
Following rules
Children learn that games have rules everyone follows. The CDC lists following rules and taking turns in games as typical at age 5.
Cooperation
Circles and partners teach children to play together.
Rhythm
Singing and moving to a beat builds coordination.
6 Circle and Singing Games for Preschoolers
1. Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
Circle game- Daily routines
- Action words
What it teaches: Children walk in a circle and act out daily jobs like washing and brushing teeth. It’s a playful way to talk about routines.
How to use it: Make up new verses for your own routines, like putting on shoes or washing hands.
2. Skip to My Lou
Dance song- Rhythm
- Skipping
What it teaches: A lively partner song and dance. It’s great for practicing skipping.
How to use it: Clear a space and let children skip around a circle. Switch partners at each verse.
3. The Muffin Man
Question song- Question and answer
- Community
What it teaches: A song that asks if you know the muffin man. It’s a nice way to talk about neighbors and community workers.
How to use it: Change the words to ask about the mail carrier or a friend. Sing the names of people in your child’s life.
4. Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grow
Action song- Farm words
- Sequencing
What it teaches: A farm song with actions for planting and growing. It links food to farming.
How to use it: Do the actions for planting, stamping, and clapping. Plant seeds in a cup.
5. A-Tisket, A-Tasket
Singing game- Listening
- Colors
What it teaches: A circle game where a handkerchief is dropped behind a player who then chases the dropper. It’s similar to Duck, Duck, Goose.
How to use it: Use a scarf and drop it gently behind a friend. Skip the chase for younger children and just swap places.
6. Bluebird, Bluebird, Through My Window
Singing game- Patterns
- Turn-taking
What it teaches: Children make arches with their arms while a ‘bluebird’ weaves in and out. It teaches over-and-under patterns.
How to use it: Use paper birds and let children take turns being the bluebird. Keep the arches high and gentle.
Tips for Singing Circle and Singing Games
- Start with a small circle of 4 to 6 children.
- Show the game first, then play it slowly.
- Let children take turns being the leader.
- Skip eliminations and chasing for younger children.
Pair These Songs with Activities
Circle and Singing Games FAQs
How do I teach a singing game to a group?
Demonstrate with one or two children, explain one rule at a time, and play slowly. Repeat the game on different days so it becomes familiar.
What if a child doesn’t want to join?
Let them watch first. Invite them to be a helper, like holding a scarf or ringing a bell. Many children join in after watching.
How can I keep singing games safe?
Use a soft surface, keep the circle a safe distance apart, and remind children to move gently. For games with chasing, play a walking version for younger children.
Are singing games okay for mixed ages?
Yes. Let older children be leaders, and give younger children simple jobs. Adapt the rules so everyone can take part.
More Song Types
- Nursery Rhymes (12)
- Action Songs (10)
- Finger Plays (7)
- Counting Songs (9)
- Alphabet and Language Songs (7)
- Animal and Nature Songs (7)
- Transportation Songs (7)
- Routine, Transition, and Friendship Songs (7)
- Lullabies and Calm-Down Songs (6)
- Circle and Singing Games (6)
- Songs for Colors, Shapes, Days, and More (7)
- All Preschool Songs
Keep the Music Going
Pair these songs with free printables, learning games, and our 12-month preschool curriculum.
Sources
This guide is general educational information for parents. It is not medical or legal advice. Always supervise young children during movement activities. If you are concerned about your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor or teacher.