We’re Floating Down the River

USA

HISTORY AND SONG NOTES

We’re Floating Down the River is an American folksong.

We’re Floating Down the River can be used for singing and group instrument playing; the children can show the beat of the music on small percussion instruments, drums, or by using their hands to make sound. In this song, they experience a tempo and meter change; this is an opportunity for them to listen and respond on their instruments. Click here to read more about group instrument playing.

This song also works as a standing or seated movement activity, where the children rock or sway during the first section of the song, and then bounce their knees on the second part of the song. For an additional seated movement activity, you can use either a stretchy circular band, piece of cloth, or parachute. The children sit around the cloth while holding on the edges, and listen and respond to the music by making gentle river “waves” during the first part of the song, followed by more vigorous “waves” during the second part of the song. Click here to read more about group movement activities.

AUDIO RECORDING FOR LISTENING, SINGING ALONG, AND LEARNING:

You’ll notice that the recording with vocals includes a tempo and meter change; this is an opportunity for the children to listen and respond to changes in the music using their instruments and voices.

PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT:

DOWNLOADS:

PDF of Score: We’re Floating Down the River

mp3 of piano accompaniment: We’re Floating Down the River