Singing Games Year 1 Notations - Oats and beans and Barley grow

The traditional singing game "Oats and Beans and Barley Grow" is a delightful activity for Year 1 children, combining music, rhythm, and movement to engage young learners. The game starts with the children forming a circle and one child playing the role of the farmer in the centre. As the song begins, the circle moves in one direction while the farmer skips in the opposite, creating a dynamic and playful atmosphere. The lyrics narrate the process of farming, from sowing seeds to celebrating the growth of crops, and the children's actions mirror these tasks. They pretend to sow seeds, stand proudly, stamp their feet, clap their hands, and turn around to survey the land, all in time with the music.

As the verses progress, the game introduces the concept of partnership and inclusion. During the third verse, when the farmer is instructed to 'open the ring and take one in', they choose a new child to join them in the centre, symbolising the farmer finding a partner. This continues, with the number of 'farmers' in the middle doubling with each verse, creating a growing sense of community and fun. The children in the middle swing each other around, while those in the circle maintain the rhythm by stamping and clapping. Eventually, when the centre becomes crowded, the roles are reversed, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to be both part of the circle and the centre of the action. This game not only teaches musical notation and rhythm but also fosters cooperation and social interaction among the children.