DEI Songs (EYFS/KS1): The Windmill

The Windmill

Round and round the windmill turns! Explore changing musical tempos, coordinated movement and teamwork through an imaginative circle song.

Can you move like the sails of a windmill, turning slowly and then quickly as the music changes?

The Windmill invites children to imagine themselves as the turning sails of a windmill, moving together around a circle while holding a parachute or large piece of fabric. As the music changes between slow and fast, children can develop their listening skills, coordination and understanding of musical tempo. With its repeated lyrics and flowing movements, the song encourages cooperation, concentration and an awareness of how individual actions contribute to the whole group. A playful way to explore musical contrasts while discovering the fascinating movement of windmills.

Suggested Age Range:

3–7 years (EYFS and KS1)

Learning Opportunities

~ Recognise and respond to changes in musical tempo, exploring the difference between slow and fast.
~ Develop listening, attention and musical awareness through coordinated movement.
~ Strengthen gross motor coordination, spatial awareness and movement control.
~ Encourage cooperation, teamwork and curiosity about windmills and the natural forces that make them turn.

Curriculum Connections

~ EYFS: Expressive Arts and Design; Physical Development; Communication and Language; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Understanding the World.
~ KS1: Music; Physical Education; Geography; Science.

Classroom Ideas

~ Explore the musical contrasts of slow and fast through coordinated circle movements and attentive listening.
~ Discover how windmills use the power of the wind, exploring examples from different countries and landscapes.
~ Celebrate different ways of participating through seated movements, partner support, adapted fabric activities or gestures that represent changes in tempo.

What’s Included?

~ Lyric Sheet (PDF)
~ Vocal Backing Track (MP3)
~ Backing Track (MP3)