Song for Getting Kids to Line Up Nicely

Sometimes getting kids to line up nicely can feel like you are attempting to herd a bunch of cats.  It's just not something they naturally want to do.

To make this sometimes daunting task easier, we like to use a chime or bell, sing a little song, and get the kids involved.  Getting the kids to be "in charge" always seems to make any task go better.  

The way we get the little ones to help out is first by having our Star Student ring a little bell.  This is one of the most exciting activities for this special little one and they are always happy to drop whatever they are doing to help with this job.  We like to use  something like one of these:

The sweet little heart chime has a beautiful sound that I particularly love for inside.  We like to use the triangle outside because it can withstand the elements and sounds like a traditional dinner bell call.  You can click on either image above to be taken to the product page.

If you are doing this at home, you could easily use either one to get the kids attention for a variety of activities.  In our classroom, we like to use these to signal clean up and line up times.

Our special student walks around to make sure everyone can hear the noise and then all of the kids know to help clean up and get in line.  We love this because it's not the teacher telling the kids what to do and it makes the star student feel really special.

Once everyone is gathering together, then we begin our song:

Now it's time to get in line,
Get in line,
Get in line.
Now it's time to get in line,
To go (inside, home, etc...).

Keep our body facing forward,
facing forward,
facing forward.
Keep our body facing forward,
When we're in a line.

Keep our hands down by our side,
by our side,
by our side.
Keep our hands down by our side,
When we're in a line.

Here it is on YouTube, too: https://youtu.be/QfNGmUd49OU

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Of course, you could sing just the first verse, or add any other activity that needs reinforcement for your group of kids!  And repetition is always recommended.  The more times kids hear anything, the more likely they are to understand and remember it.  We find that doing almost anything through a song is the best way to go, too.  It sounds kind, keeps it fun, gets the kids attention, and gets the kids involved.

​Happy lining up!