Friend of Mine Olympic Song
Friendship songs reinforce social-emotional learning through music and movement.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Olympics
- Learning area: Socio-Emotional
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Demonstrate sensitivity toward others
- Express ideas and feelings through verbal communication
- Sing or narrate poetry along with teacher and peers
Materials
- Song lyrics chart
- Open space for movement
Instructions
Prepare a large, clearly printed lyrics chart that will become a classroom fixture throughout your Olympics unit. Display it where all children can see during circle time and movement activities.
Introduce the song with enthusiasm: 'Olympic athletes train together and become friends who support each other. We have a special song about friendship that we're going to sing all through our Olympics unit!' Play or sing the melody through once while children listen.
The song adapts 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' with friendship lyrics:
'Will you be a friend of mine, friend of mine, friend of mine?
Will you be a friend of mine and [action] around with me?
[Child's name] is a friend of mine, friend of mine, friend of mine,
[Child's name] is a friend of mine, who [action] around with me.
Friends at school are big and small, friends at school are best of all!'
Model singing while pointing to the lyrics on the chart, helping children connect spoken words to print. Teach the song phrase by phrase, encouraging children to echo each section. Point to words as you sing, building print awareness even for pre-readers.
Once the melody is familiar, add the personalization: insert children's names and Olympic actions. 'Will you be a friend of mine and SWIM around with me? [Marcus] is a friend of mine who SWIMS around with me!' Move to open space and act out the actions while singing.
Rotate through many Olympic sports: swimming, running, jumping, skiing, skating, cycling. Let children suggest new actions and choose friends to name in the verses.
Use this song throughout the day as a transition, a gathering ritual, or a movement break. It reinforces friendship, celebrates individual children, and connects to Olympic themes repeatedly.
Educator tip
Insert Olympic actions: swim, run, jump, ski, skate. Connect to countries making friends through sports. The repetition throughout the unit builds both friendship skills and Olympic knowledge.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe student's active participation in singing and movement.