ALL AROUND THE DAFFODILS : SONG OF THE WEEK

 

A perfect little rhyme to celebrate spring! One of the first signs of the season is undoubtedly the daffodils blooming everywhere.

 

 Watch the video here 

 

There’s something very British about All Around the Daffodils! The imagery of daffodils, a classic symbol of spring in the UK, combined with the gentle circle game format, feels reminiscent of traditional British nursery rhymes and folk songs.

It has that same charming, old-fashioned playfulness found in songs like Ring a Ring o’ Roses and Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush—songs that have been sung in playgrounds for generations. The focus on choosing a friend and moving together also reflects the British emphasis on social play and early childhood bonding through music.

It’s one of those little gems that may not have a clear historical record but carries a deep sense of tradition, connection, and seasonal joy.

How to Play This Fun Spring Song with Babies

Sit with your baby on your lap and gently bounce them to the rhythm of the song. Alternatively as you sing, help them clap or pat their hands to the beat. When you reach the end of the song, give them a big cuddle!
 

For Toddlers:
    1.    Toddlers can hold hands in a small circle and step side to side as they sing.
    2.    Encourage them to clap or tap their knees in rhythm—1, 2, 3!
    3.    When the song ends, they can choose a friend for a big hug or happy spin

How to play song with children aged 3 +
    1.    The children stand in a circle, holding hands, and raise their arms to create arches or “windows.”
    2.    One child is chosen to hold a small bunch of daffodils and begins weaving in and out of the windows (children).
    3.    When the words “just choose me!” are sung, the child with the daffodils picks the nearest friend and takes their hand.
    4.    The two children continue weaving through the arches together.
    5.    With each round of the song, a new child is added, forming a growing chain.
    6.    By the end, all the children are holding hands in a long, winding line.
    7.    To finish, an adult creates a “bridge” by holding up their arms against a wall, and the whole group passes under it one last time.

 

I’ve been singing this song all week, and one of the most touching moments was seeing the children who often struggle to find a friend light up with joy when they were chosen.

There was something so special about watching their faces go from uncertain to beaming with happiness. I encouraged them to make eye contact and ask, “Will you be my friend?”—a simple phrase, but one filled with warmth and connection. Seeing those little hands reaching out to hold hands was a beautiful reminder of how music and movement can create moments of true belonging.

It was such a heartwarming experience, and it made me appreciate just how powerful these little songs can be—not just for learning language, but for nurturing confidence, kindness, and friendship.  

 

Main Language Aims

• Listen to spoken English, develop an awareness of other languages spoken 
• Begin to mime actions in a song
• Enjoy listening to rhymes
• Begin to repeat words, phrases and parts of a rhyme
• vocabulary: one, two, three, daffodils, a friend, me! Will you be my friend?