Here are 15 timeless songs used as playground chants by kids and grownups alike.
There’s something magical about the timeless tunes and chants that echo through playgrounds. These nursery rhymes and traditional children’s songs have been passed down through generations, providing not only fun but also a sense of connection to our own childhoods.
Here, we explore 15 classic songs that we parents still use as playground chants, bringing joy and laughter to our little ones.
Table of Contents
- Ring Around the Rosie
- London Bridge is Falling Down
- Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
- Miss Mary Mack
- Miss Susie (Had a Steamboat)
- Miss Lucy Had a Baby
- Cinderella Dressed in Yellow
- Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo
- Down by the Banks of the Hanky Panky
- Bubblegum, Bubblegum in a Dish
- A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea
- The Farmer in the Dell
- Bingo (There Was a Farmer Who Had a Dog)
- Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
- One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
1
Ring Around the Rosie
“Ring Around the Rosie” is a playful song where children hold hands and dance in a circle, falling to the ground on the last line. Often used in playgrounds, this chant is perfect for large groups and brings a burst of energy and giggles.
2
London Bridge is Falling Down
In “London Bridge is Falling Down,” kids form an arch with their arms while others pass underneath. At the end of the verse, the “bridge” falls, trapping one child. This game is great for coordination and teamwork.
3
Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
Sung while children move in a circle, “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” mimics daily routines with its verses. It’s a versatile playground song that can be adapted with different actions and motions.
4
Miss Mary Mack
A clapping game that tests rhythm and coordination, “Miss Mary Mack” is popular in playgrounds. Kids pair up and clap in sync to the lyrics, making it a fun way to build social skills and dexterity.
5
Miss Susie (Had a Steamboat)
Similar to “Miss Mary Mack,” “Miss Susie” involves intricate clapping patterns and amusing lyrics. This chant keeps children engaged and entertained, often leading to bouts of laughter.
6
Miss Lucy Had a Baby
“Miss Lucy Had a Baby” is another clapping game with a catchy tune and humorous story. It’s a playground favorite that encourages memorization and rhythm.
7
Cinderella Dressed in Yellow
This jump rope rhyme tells a whimsical tale of Cinderella. Kids chant the lyrics while jumping rope, combining physical activity with imaginative play.
8
Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo
Used primarily for decision-making, “Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo” helps children select someone for a game or activity. It’s a quick and impartial way to make choices on the playground.
9
Down by the Banks of the Hanky Panky
In this hand-clapping game, children sit in a circle and pass claps around to the rhythm of the song. “Down by the Banks of the Hanky Panky” is fast-paced and exciting, keeping kids on their toes.
10
Bubblegum, Bubblegum in a Dish
Another decision-making chant, “Bubblegum, Bubblegum in a Dish” is used to count out players. It’s simple and quick, perfect for transitioning between playground activities.
11
A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea
“A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea” combines clapping and rhyming to create a lively game. It’s often played in pairs and helps children develop coordination and timing.
12
The Farmer in the Dell
In “The Farmer in the Dell,” children form a circle and one child takes the role of the farmer, choosing others to join in as different characters. This game is excellent for group play and storytelling.
13
Bingo (There Was a Farmer Who Had a Dog)
“Bingo” is a sing-along that involves spelling and clapping. As each verse progresses, a letter in “Bingo” is replaced with a clap, making it a fun and educational playground song.
14
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
“Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear” is a movement rhyme where children perform actions that match the lyrics. It’s great for young kids to practice following directions and moving in sync.
15
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
This counting rhyme helps children learn numbers and simple actions. “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” is often used in playgrounds for its easy-to-remember lyrics and playful nature.
These chants are often accompanied by hand-clapping or other actions, making them popular choices for playground games and activities.
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