Mulberry Bush

Very yound children love the repetition in this activity. Good to use at the beginning of the year to help kids adjust to large group events.

Objectives

Children ages 4-5 can demonstrate the meaning of words by pantomime Lang. IIIB
ages 2 ½-3 can use 2-3 words in a sentence Lang. IIIA
and can demonstrate simple action words like running, sleeping, and washing Lang. IIIB

Materials

None

Procedures

1. Have children stand in a circle. Tell them that they are going to sing a song and do what the words tell them to do. Sing the phrase of the song, "This is the way we run to school, run to school. This is the way we run to school, so early in the morning." The tune is the same as "Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush." Children repeat phrases of the song and run, but remain in the circle. Repeat song using different verbs (e.g. sweep) and different locations and objects (e.g. sweep the house, wash your face).

2. Next have each child suggest an action and objects, e.g. we wash our hands. Sing the song through using each child's suggestion. For the younger child, give a choice of two actions, such as "Shall we run or shall we just walk to the store?" Child indicates preference by repeating noun-action-object she wishes to suggest.

3. For older children, silly suggestions can be made such as brushing your toes, or flying a turtle, or dressing a snake. Have children try to pantomime but make sure they realize the phrase is silly....turtles can't fly!