Singing game facts for kids
A singing game is a fun activity based on a special song or rhyme. It usually involves actions and movements, like dancing. These games are an important part of how children play and learn. The term "singing game" can also mean a type of video game where you sing.
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Studying Singing Games
People started seriously studying singing games in the 1800s. They wanted to record and understand these games as part of wider traditions. Early researchers like William Wells Newell and Alice Gomme collected many games.
Later, researchers like Iona and Peter Opie changed how these games were studied. They watched children closely to see how they actually played. Their work showed that singing games don't disappear. Instead, they change and grow over time. This means new versions of old games appear, and children even create new ones!
Over the years, the ways of recording games also changed. At first, people wrote down descriptions, lyrics, and music. Later, they used complex symbols to show the movements. From the 1970s, people started using videos to record games. This helped show how the movements and music worked together.
Where Do Singing Games Come From?
The exact beginnings of most singing games are a bit of a mystery. They have been passed down and changed by children for many, many years. Early ideas about their origins were sometimes wrong. For example, some thought games like "London Bridge is Falling Down" came from old, dark traditions. But most researchers now agree that children themselves have shaped and changed these games over many generations.
Different Kinds of Singing Games
Researchers have grouped singing games into different types. Here are some of them:
- Matchmaking games
- Wedding games
- Cushion dances
- Witch dances
- Friendship calls
- Circle games
- Silly games
- Clapping games
- Mimicry games (where you copy actions)
Starting Songs
Many other children's games begin with a song, even if the main game doesn't involve singing. For example, "Girls and Boys Come Out To Play" was often used to gather players for a game. Singing games are also used as counting out or 'dipping' games. These help choose who plays a special role, like who is "it." Famous examples include "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" and "One potato, two potato".
Circle Dances
Some singing games might have started as circle dances. This is where players hold hands and move in a circle. "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" is an example. The simplest and most famous circle dance is "Ring a Ring o' Roses".
Courtship and Marriage Games
Several singing games are about getting married or finding a partner. "Skip to My Lou" is one example. "The Farmer in the Dell" is a well-known wedding ring game. In this game, players are chosen for different roles in a married life.
Clapping Games
A clapping game usually involves two players. They clap their hands together in different ways while singing a rhyme. Clapping games are played all over the world. The rhymes help players keep time with the often tricky hand movements.
Skipping Rhymes
A skipping or jump-rope rhyme is a singing game chanted while using skipping ropes. These rhymes are found in all cultures where skipping is popular. Like most traditional games, skipping rhymes often have many different versions.
"Catching" Games
In these games, two players make an arch with their arms. Other players walk through the arch in a line while singing a song. At the end of the song, the arch is lowered to "catch" a player. The most common example is "London Bridge is Falling Down". Another similar game is played to the tune of "Oranges and Lemons". Similar games are played in other countries too, like "Toryanse" in Japan and "La Vibora de La Mar" in Mexico.
Why Are These Games Important?
Singing games help children in many ways. They help kids explore language and learn how to play together. They also help children learn rules and how to behave in a group. Most singing games are about working together, not competing against each other. They are more about being part of a group than having one leader.
Are Singing Games Disappearing?
For a long time, people have worried that singing games are dying out. It's true that children play less on busy streets now. Also, simple games have to compete with TV, video games, and other activities. However, studies show that singing games are still very popular in playgrounds.
It seems that the age range for these games has changed. Older kids (teenagers) don't play them as much anymore. Now, children aged six to ten years old are often the main players. Also, in some places, like Britain, singing games are mostly played by girls.
Singing Video Games
Singing games on video game consoles let players compete against each other. Or, a single player can try to beat their own past scores or a set goal. These games might judge how creative you are, how well you copy another singer, or how accurately you hit the right notes and hold them for the correct time.
For example, Karaoke Revolution measures how well a player matches the pitch and length of notes while singing along. High scores are saved, so players can challenge their friends or try to beat their own best scores.
Images for kids
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Girls playing "London Bridge" in 1898
See also
In Spanish: Corro (juego) para niños
