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Socks Around the
Circle (Game)
Copyright 2005 Nancy Stewart
Try this simple game any time. Children
love it! Complete instructions with variations appear under the lyrics.
Socks Around the Circle
Socks around the circle,
To the right they go
When the song is over
Can you feel what's in the toe?
PROPS NEEDED:
Socks with an object in the toe (see variations below), enough
for each child. I use only black socks, so they all look the same. Use what
you have! Read through all the variations below, and use one that works for
the ages of children you have. Younger children will do better with simple,
recognizable objects, while older children will enjoy the challenge of
trying to identify more unusual objects.
VARIATION 1:
For the older twos and threes, limiting the number of objects
to a couple of simple ones, like blocks and small balls. Show the children
the items that will be in the socks. Place all the socks in a box or tub,
and walk around the circle as you sing, letting the children each take a
sock as you pass. When the song ends, ask each child which of the objects
you showed them is in his or her sock.
VARIATION 2:
For 3’ and 4’s. Use more items, and make some of them unusual,
but show them all of the items first. I have used such things as pine cones,
clothes pins, and empty prescription bottles. As above, place the filled
socks in a container and pass the container around the circle.
VARIATION 3:
For 5-7 year’s olds: Fill the socks with same items as above,
and a couple of really unusual items Look around your house or the classroom
for small objects. I once used a small candle snuffer, and we had quite a
conversation about what it was and how it was used in the “olden” days. Same
thing with a spool of thread (one child guessed it was “sewing colors”).
This is an opportunity to increase vocabulary, and teach children about all
kinds of things! Instead of passing the container of socks around, give each
child a sock, and instruct the children to keep passing the socks until the
songs ends. Then you can go around and have each child say what is in his or
her sock. Passing with one hand, while receiving with the other is
challenging for some children, so you may want to practice first.
VARIATION 4:
Use objects that relate specifically to the unit you are
studying. Here are some ideas:
Shapes:
Place different shaped items in the socks, and have children name
the shapes
Nature:
Use things like pine cones, rocks, small sticks (not sharp), leaves
(several fresh, soft ones in a clump), a baggie of sand.
Cleaning Things:
toothbrush, bar of soap, wash cloth, , dental floss
Use your imagination, and things you have around you!
Other things I have used include:
glue stick, crayon, library card, large
thick screw, dental floss, small book, necklace
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February
2005 Song of the Month