Don't Forget to Scream - Row, Row, Row your Boat
Our Version of Row, Row, Row your Boat
As kids we sat opposite one another and rowed backwards and forwards with joined hands while singing this song. We learned the second verse from Australian children. Crocodiles play an important part in the culture of some Aborigine tribes in the Northern Territories of Australia.
On this recording, the rhythm of “Row, Row, Row your Boat” has been changed to better mirror the actions of a rower. Both the mandola and guitar backing are structured simply and are designed to give the effect of running water. For the instrumental, the accordion and flute play a piece of music based on a traditional Irish reel. The Glasses Island chant of “Row, Row your Boat,” sung as a link between verses, is used by oarsmen on the same boat to keep rowing in time!
Classroom Ideas for Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Physical Education: Play the rowing game. Sit on the floor in pairs. Each child faces the other. Both children lock their feet together, hold hands and row back and forth singing the song. Scream on the first beat after the line “Don’t forget to scream.”
Social, Environmental and Scientific Education/History: Examine the various roles boats have played in society, e.g. They allowed people to discover new lands. They transport goods and people. They are workers, e.g. fishing boats, warships. In more modern times boats are also used for recreation. Boats can be rowed; Some have sails; Some have engines; Name different boat types. From what materials are they made?
Lyrics for Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream
If you see a crocodile
Don’t forget to scream!
