England / Ireland
Poor Jenny Sits A-Weeping
Also known as Poor Mary, Jenny Jones, Poor Sally
A circle singing drama where Jenny chooses a partner and dances with them.
6+ playersAges 4-9In or outCalmSmall spaceNo kit
The rules
How to play
1
One child (Jenny) kneels in the centre of a circle with head bowed.
2
The circle walks around singing 'Poor Jenny sits a-weeping, a-weeping, a-weeping, poor Jenny sits a-weeping on a bright summer's day.'
3
Subsequent verses ask Jenny why she's weeping ('She's weeping for a partner…').
4
Jenny stands and chooses a partner from the circle; together they dance in the middle while the group sings.
5
That partner becomes Jenny for the next round.
Keep it fair
Make sure every child gets a turn as Jenny over multiple rounds. Keep a mental note of who has been in the middle so no one feels left out.
Good for building
singingteamworkexpression
What you need
Nothing at all, just the kids.
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