Over the last week I have been thinking about the music I can use along with our London Olympics learning focus. After we say good morning and before our mat session we have a short songs and dance session. We do this in order to get the “wiggles” out of the system and to get the children moving and thinking. I like to choose songs that can be a little interactive, either with actions or dance movements.

I googled for songs with a British theme and the only thing that came up was Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat. Where have you been? The site suggested the use of popstick puppets to use along with the song. Not a bad idea! I remember playing a singing game called Oranges and Lemons when I was at school. I googled this also but I think the chopping off of the head lyrics may be a tad gruesome for this age group. I remember that two people formed an arch and the rest of us formed a circle that walked under the arch. When we got to the end of the song the arch would fall down and capture whoever was in the arch at the time. I thought we could use the same concept for London Bridge is Falling Down. I found a YouTube video of the Barney show which shows the game being played. I think we will just stick to the one verse.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy8R3CpvGso[/youtube]

The following is what I have come up with so far. Some are songs that are played or sung with vigour at sporting events. Others are songs that come from the UK.

Song and Rhyme List:

• Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat. Where Have You Been?
• London Bridge is Falling Down
• The Grand Old Duke of York
• Dr Foster Went to Gloucester
• Hot Cross Buns
• Sing a Song of Sixpence
• We Will Rock You
• We Are the Champions
• Waltzing Matilda
• Advance Australia Fair
• God Save the Queen

While looking at the Tower of London Bridge webcam I stumbled across a webcam for the Abbey Rd crossing. I think I will expose the children to some Beatles music too. They’re already familiar with Here Comes the Sun from our weather studies.

I seem to have trouble staying on topic when I browse the net and often go off on a tangent. I got a little sidetracked from looking for music and started making up a medal tally chart (A3 size).  Some of you may be glad I did as I am going to share it with you. Enjoy! I’ve only included the flags from the top 10 medal winning countries from the last Olympics. Apologies in advance if your country didn’t make the cut but you could always cut out a flag and stick it over one of the others if you wish.  I plan to laminate mine so I can change the tally daily. You can download it here: Medal Tally Chart