• Optional: Recording of the "Rainbow Song" or other music
• Optional: Scarves or crepe paper streamers, in colors of the rainbow
• Optional: Percussion instruments

• Familiarize yourself with the games and songs listed in Posters for Chalice Children, under Resources in the Introduction, and the new songs and games suggested for this session. You may also research additional circle games or songs about rainbows, or make up your own rainbow-related words to a common tune.
• Optional: Learn the "Rainbow Song" or plan to play the YouTube video or other music during this activity.
• Display any posters you have made.

Gather in a circle on the floor.

Play the games and sing the songs. Keep the pace brisk to help the children stay focused.

Welcome, Chalice Children

Ask the children to stand, as they are able, in their places. Sing "Welcome, Chalice Children" to the tune of "Little Rabbit Foo-Foo":

Welcome, Chalice Children,

We are Unitarians.

Jump into the circle,

Jump, jump, jump.

Welcome, Chalice Children,

We are Universalists.

Jump into the circle,

Jump, jump, jump.

Welcome, Chalice Children,

My name is [leaders' and children's names, in turn].

Jump into the circle,

Jump, jump, jump.

Alternate verses:

We are Chalice Children!

Welcome to our circle!

We are Chalice Children!

Clap, clap, clap!

We are Unitarians!

We are Universalists!

Welcome to our circle!

Clap, clap, clap!

We are Chalice Children!

Let's all welcome [name of a child in the group]

Welcome to our circle!

Clap, clap, clap!

Rainbow Dance

Give each child one or two scarves or streamers and/or a percussion instrument. Play the "Rainbow Song" or teach it to the children. Invite the children to dance to the music as they imagine the beauty and wonder of a rainbow.

Rainbow Rhyme

Sing to the tune of "Hush, Little Baby:"

Rainbow purple,

Rainbow blue,

Rainbow green,

And yellow too.

Rainbow orange,

Rainbow red.

Rainbow shining

Over head.

Lead more Circle Time songs and games, as time allows.

Find a Friend at Church

"Find a Friend at Church" is sung to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell":

I'll find a friend at church

I'll find a friend at church

Heigh ho, the derry oh, I'll find a friend at church.

We'll skip around the room.

We'll skip around the room.

Heigh ho, the derry oh, We'll skip around the room.

Sit in a circle. One player walks around the outside of the circle while the first two lines of the song are sung. The child then chooses a friend. The two friends hold hands and skip around the circle while the remainder of the verse is sung. First player returns to the circle, and the game is repeated with a second player walking outside the circle. Continue until all have had a turn to choose a friend.

Variation

Instead of "skip," ask the player to choose the action. Examples are run, walk, hop, and jump.

If You're Happy and You Know It

Sing "If You're Happy and You Know It," leading the children in the actions noted after each line:

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. [clap-clap]

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. [clap-clap]

If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. [clap-clap]

If you're happy and you know it, stomp your feet. [stomp-stomp]

If you're happy and you know it, stomp your feet. [stomp-stomp]

If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.

If you're happy and you know it, stomp your feet. [stomp-stomp]

If you're happy and you know it, shout "Hurray!" [hoo-ray!]

If you're happy and you know it, shout "Hurray!" [hoo-ray!]

If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.

If you're happy and you know it, shout "Hurray!" [hoo-ray!]

If you're happy and you know it, do all three. [clap-clap, stomp-stomp, hoo-ray!]

If you're happy and you know it, do all three. [clap-clap, stomp-stomp, hoo-ray!]

If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.

If you're happy and you know it, do all three. [clap-clap, stomp-stomp, hoo-ray!]

Variation

Sing this welcome song to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It" (from Channels to Children: Early Childhood Activity Guide for Holidays and Seasons, copyright 1982). As the verse is sung, the leader shakes the child's hand. Repeat with each new child:

Good morning, [child's first and last name],

How are you?

Good morning, [child's first and last name],

How are you?

How are you this special day?

We are glad you came to play.

Good morning, [child's first and last name],

How are you?

If any child might find jumping, standing, or dancing difficult, substitute other actions, such as clapping, stepping, or wiggling, or sing the songs from a seated position. Children with mobility limitations can keep rhythm to accompany the dancing by shaking an instrument, such as a maraca, rain stick, a shaker, or a clicker.