Learning Resources

This song and dance resource has been developed for working with young people with special educational needs and disabilities by EFDSS’ Inclusive Folk tutor Emmie Ward.  

There is something irresistibly crowd pleasing about the experience of being gathered in a circle, singing and dancing together.

The resource contains a starter ceilidh activity which will get everyone warmed up and learning some dance steps, followed by three songs that involve dancing.  The songs and dances are designed to be inclusive of disabled people, including wheelchair users, those with limited mobility, people with learning disabilities and complex needs and people with sensory impairments.  There are suggestions about how to learn the songs and dances, as well as sound files to sing and dance along to.

Singing and dancing together creates a shared focus while moving and singing to the same pulse. Social dancing encourages people to connect with one another and interact more playfully.  This can be very useful in helping a group bond.  Singing dance instructions is a useful and inclusive way to help remember steps and moves.  Dancing can also help people to act out and understand the meaning of song lyrics. The dances in this resource are all gender free.

The booklet includes sheet music, lyrics and more information about the songs and dances.

Important note: this resource contains hyperlinks to digitised versions of original manuscripts and other archival material in the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library’s online archive. Please be aware that these historical materials may contain content considered offensive by modern standards. Teachers are advised to check these links before sharing with students as materials may need contextualising.

This resource is created as part of EFDSS' Inclusive Folk Project, supported by John Lyon's Charity.