Ring a Ring o’ Roses

Ring a Ring o’ Roses is a traditional circle game that combines music, movement, and social play.

Children join hands and walk or skip in a circle while singing the familiar rhyme—then collapse into giggles when everyone “falls down” at the end!

It’s simple, sweet, and perfect for younger children who enjoy group play without competition. This classic game supports coordination, rhythm, and cooperative movement, and it works just as well indoors as it does in the garden or playground.

---

Materials Needed

• None

---

Tools Needed

• None

---

Steps

1. Form a Circle: Children hold hands and stand in a ring.

2. Sing Together: Start singing the traditional rhyme:

Ring a ring o’ roses,

A pocket full of posies,

A-tishoo! A-tishoo!

We all fall down!

3. Move in a Circle: As you sing, walk or skip gently around the circle.

4. Fall Down: On the final line, everyone falls gently to the ground!

5. Repeat: Get up, giggle, and start again with extra verses or different movements.

---

Variations

• Silly Falls: Instead of falling down, try freezing, jumping, or making a funny pose.

• Animal Theme: Move like different animals as you go around the circle (e.g. hopping like bunnies).

• Instrumental Version: Use hand bells or shakers to accompany the rhyme.

• Toddler Friendly: Slow down the pace and sing just the first verse for very young children.