Submitted by Kelly Davisson, Keller, Texas

Idea posted May 24, 2004

This is a cup game for the pentatonic song, "I've Been to Harlem." I have the children pat the rhythm of the words to the song and then learn the rhythm of the movements. Next, I have two different groups pat/clap both rhythms at the same time. And lastly, we learn the passing pattern and combine it with singing/listening to the song (depending on their ability).

Cup Game/I've Been To Harlem
Verse:
Ti-Ti Ta Ta Ta I've been to Harlem,
(play on cup) Up down (pass)
Ti-Ti Ta Ta Ta I've been to Dover
(play on cup) Up down (pass)
Ti-Ti Ta Ta Ta I've traveled
(play on cup) Up down (pass)
Ti-Ti Ta Ta Ta the world all over.
(play on cup) Up down (pass)
Ta-a Ta-a Over, over
Flip flip
Ta-a Ta-a three times over.
Flip Rest
Ti-Ti Ta Ta Ta Drink what you can
(play on cup) Up down (pass)
Ta-a Ta-a and turn the glasses over.
Flip Rest
Refrain:
Ta-a Ta-a Sailing east
Up down (pass)
Ta-a Ta-a Sailing west
Up down (pass)
Ta-a Ta-a Sailing over the
Up down (pass)
Ta-a Ta-a ocean.
Up down (pass)
Ti-Ti Ta Ta Ta Better watch out
(play on cup) Up down (pass)
Ti-Ti Ta Ta Ta boat begins to rock
(play on cup) Up down (pass)
Ta-a Ta-a lose your girl in the
Flip Flip
Ta-a Ta-a ocean.
Flip Rest