Singing Games Year 1 Notations - Freres jacques

The classic melody of "Frère Jacques" is brought to life in a Year 1 classroom through a singing game that combines music with movement. The notation for the song is provided in a 4/2 time signature, with simple and repetitive melodic lines that make it easy for young children to follow and sing along. The game involves the children standing in two concentric circles, one inside the other, with each child from the inner circle facing a partner in the outer circle. This arrangement sets the stage for a series of coordinated actions that match the lyrics of the song.

As the children sing "Frère Jacques," they begin by tapping their knees four times, followed by clapping their hands four times for the repetition of the line. When the lyrics shift to "Dormez-vous?" they clap their partner's hands three times, repeating the action for the second phrase. As the song reaches "Sonnez les matines," the children's hands move from high to low, with fingers wiggling to simulate the ringing of morning bells. For the "Ding, dang, dong" lines, the children wave to their current partner and then, at the song's end, the children in the inner circle move one place to the right, greeting a new partner with a wave. This interactive game not only teaches rhythm and melody but also encourages coordination and social interaction among the young participants.