How to Play Ring Around the Rosie

“Ring Around the Rosie" is a popular folk rhyme that has been adored by children for generations. There is much discussion about the origin of this rhyme coming from the days of the bubonic plague, however this doesn't take away from the fun that children have by reciting this rhyme and falling down with giggles and grins. It is a simple game that children young children can easily play.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Join hands with two or more children.
2. Start walking in a circle, keeping your hands joined.
3. Recite the first three lines of the rhyme by saying, "Ring around the rosie, Pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes..."
4. Fall playfully to the floor while finishing the rhyme with, "We all fall down!"

Tips & Warnings

• You can add your own flare to this game, since there really are no rules. Try reciting the rhyme very slowly while walking very slowly. Every time you get up and start the game again, do it a little faster until you are quickly turning and falling down.
• This is also a fun game to use when teaching children to be comfortable in the water. You can turn in the water, reciting the rhyme, and when you get to "We all fall down!" you can change the words to "We all blow bubbles!" or "We all go underwater!" and do that action.
• Do not play "Ring Around the Rosie" on concrete or other dangerous surfaces. This game is usually played with young children and requires falling down, so rugs or grass are much better surface choices and they are easier on little hands and knees.