In and Out the Dusty Bluebells : Circle Game

When the bluebells come out we really know that Spring has truly sprung and Summer is on its way. Visiting a bluebell wood is one of the most uplifting things you can do at this time of year, the sheer beauty takes your breath away and you can just feel it feeding the soul!

In And Out The Dusty Blue Bells is such a lovely traditional circle game.  Handed down through the generations, it’s full of joy and a perfect way to celebrate spring.

Circle games are fantastic for kids’ development. There are so many benefits; from building social skills and confidence to developing gross motor movement and co-ordination. But most of important of all is that they are simply lots of fun, and that’s always when the best lessons are learnt.

In and Out the Dusty Bluebells Lyrics

In and out the dusty bluebells, In and out the dusty bluebells, In and out the dusty bluebells,

Who shall be my partner?

*

Tappity tappity on your shoulder, Tappity, tappity on your shoulder, Tappity tappity on your shoulder,

You shall be my partner!

How To Play The Circle Game

• To do the circle game, the children hold hands in a circle and raise their arms upwards to make windows or arches.
• Then one child is chosen to weave their way in and out of the windows around the circle.
• On the words ‘tappity tappity’, the child taps the shoulder of the person who is nearest to them and then they join hands and continue through the windows together.
• The game continues in this way until there is just one person left.
• Then they  make a bridge against the wall, so that everyone can file through underneath. The last person left starts the new game.

Educational Benefits:

Circle games like this one offer numerous benefits for children’s development. They’re not just about having fun; they also help kids learn and grow in many ways. Here’s how:

Building Social Skills: Circle games encourage interaction and cooperation among children. As they join hands and move together in the circle, they learn to communicate, take turns, and work as a team.

Boosting Confidence: Being part of a group activity like a circle game can boost children’s confidence. They feel supported by their peers and gain a sense of achievement as they successfully participate in the game.

Developing Gross Motor Skills: Moving in and out of the circle, tapping shoulders, and joining hands all require coordination and control of large muscle groups. These actions help children develop their gross motor skills, essential for activities like running, jumping, and playing sports.

Enhancing Coordination: Weaving in and out of the circle, tapping shoulders at just the right moment, and seamlessly joining hands with a partner all require coordination and spatial awareness. Playing this sort of circle game will help to develop these skills.

Learning Through Play: Most importantly, circle games are a lot of fun! And it’s during play that children learn some of life’s most important lessons. They learn about taking turns, following rules, and resolving conflicts—all while laughing and enjoying themselves.

So next time you visit the bluebells in bloom, why not gather some friends and play In And Out The Dusty Blue Bells? Not only a joyful experience, but you’ll also be learning and growing together in so many ways!

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