When you are in the last week of school and you have a music class with the Year 2 or 3 and in the last period of the day, its time to bring out that old chestnut….Jingle Bells! 

Process:

  • Sing through the song Jingle Bells.
  • The students find a partner. Have them standing in three circles by their partner.  
  • For the first part of the song face the partner.
  • Sing the song with actions. (Right right – right hand to partner’s right hand. Left left – left hand to partner’s left hand. Clap – clap your own hands).
  • Second part – groups join hands in their circles to do the second part of the song:
  • The group moves to the middle then out as shown in the music; arms go up as they go in, down as they go out.
  • First time, students move in and out and to the right, second time, move in and out and to the left.

Handy hints from Helen: 

  • The aim of the dance is to keep in time and sing and be able to move from the partner to the circle and then back.
  • I run the song through twice, then have the group sit at the end. It is a good idea to have a competition for the best circle.
  • I usually play the piano for this dance, however any rendition of jingle bells works.
  • Try teaching this one slowly and then get faster and faster, ensuring each group is still in time and being careful with their movements. 
  • Happy Christmas!!!