Singing Games Activity Book - Skating Away

The "Skating Away" activity, from a Singing Games Activity Book, is a delightful musical game designed for children to enjoy while learning about rhythm and coordination. The game begins with the children forming a large circle, holding hands, and four children creating a smaller circle within. The smaller group joins right hands to form a 'star' in the centre. As the music starts, the larger circle moves to the right, and the smaller circle to the left, each group skipping or walking in the direction they face. The verses of the song narrate a playful story of couples skating away early in the morning, the ice being thin and everyone falling in, and the transition of the old swinging out as the new swings in.

As the game progresses through the verses, the children in the inner circle switch directions by holding left hands, adding a twist to the movement. During the third verse, the fun escalates as the children in the middle each select a partner from the outer circle to swing with them, right arm linked with right arm. The chosen children then join the inner circle to form a new group of four, while the game resets with the remaining children holding hands in the outer circle, ready to start again. To aid younger participants, a band on the right wrist can help them distinguish their right hand, ensuring the game flows smoothly. The children not currently swinging can engage by stamping and clapping in time with the music, maintaining the energetic pulse of the game. This activity can be extended for as long as desired, providing a fun and interactive way to learn about music and movement.