Singing Games Activity Book - Great Big House in New Orleans

The Singing Games Activity Book offers a delightful musical game for children called "Great Big House in New Orleans," which features a catchy tune and simple, engaging lyrics. The song is structured into verses, each painting a vivid picture—from a grand house in New Orleans to family moments by the old mill stream, and a heartfelt farewell with a loved one wearing golden slippers. To play the game, an even number of participants is required, ensuring that everyone can be paired up and fully involved in the activity. The children form a circle, holding hands, and are assigned alternating numbers—1 and 2—around the circle to facilitate the game's movements.

In the first verse, all children walk around in a circle in time with the music. During the second verse, the game becomes more interactive: the 'Number 1s' step forward to create an inner circle, while the 'Number 2s' weave their hands between those of the 'Number 1s' and eventually lift their joined hands over the heads of the 'Number 1s', culminating in a collective group hug. The third verse guides the children through small steps to the left, with 'Number 1s' lifting their hands over the 'Number 2s', and then everyone steps back to reform the larger circle, ready to start the game again. This activity not only encourages musical rhythm and coordination but also promotes teamwork and physical coordination among the children as they navigate the movements together.