Friday, May 18, 2012
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Games Warm Ups Bill and Ben
Bill and Ben

You need to know the original tune of the famous BBC children's television programme to play this rather daft game. (You can listen to the tune below.) Everyone stands in a circle. First of all, sing the song as a group. The words are not too complicated:

Bill and Ben, Bill and Ben,
Bill and Ben, Bill and Ben,
Flowerpot Men.

When everyone is confident of the tune, the game begins. One person starts by singing the first word from the song. The person on their left sings the next word, and so on - a little like telling a one word at a time story. Try to keep the tempo smooth. 'Flowerpot' can be sung as one or two words - it's up to you!

Once this has been mastered, the next rule is that the person singing 'Bill' must bend their knees at the same time as singing the word - just that person. When that is working, add the next rule - everybody bends their knees when anyone sings 'Ben'. This usually results in much laughter, with people bending their knees at the wrong times. If you lose the flow of the tune, start again.

Click here to play the tune

Learning Objectives: To warm up the voice
To encourage concentration
To cooperate in group work
Age Group: 9+
Participants: Whole group
Recommended time for activity: 10-15 minutes


Bill and Ben was a BBC television programme first broadcast in 1952. It has since been updated, although the theme tune is different to the original, which is what you can listen to above.

Primary Drama Courses

  • Drama Across the Curriculum Drama Across the Curriculum
    Wednesday 26th September 2012 10:30am - 4:30pm Toynbee Studios, 28 Commercial Street, London E1 Course Tutor: David Farmer This one-day drama INSET course immerses you in activities and ideas which you can take back and use immediately in the primary school...
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  • Literacy Through Storytelling and Drama Literacy Through Storytelling and Drama
    Wednesday 21st November 2012 10:30am - 4:30pm Toynbee Studios, 28 Commercial Street, London E1 Course Tutor: David Farmer Stories and storytelling are crucial to helping children make sense of their world. This one-day INSET course provides a wealth of stimulating...
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Drama Books by David Farmer

101-shad1

101 Drama Games and Activities is packed with tried and tested ideas for drama lessons, workshops or rehearsals. Sections include improvisation, mime, ice-breakers, group dynamics, rehearsal, storytelling, voice and warm-ups. 

"One of the handiest things to have around" - Teaching Drama magazine

Published by Lulu (2007) ISBN 978-1-8475-3841-3
Buy now from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com


Learning-Through-Drama-shad1

Learning Through Drama in the Primary Years describes 36 drama strategies in full detail along with over 250 cross-curricular activities and three extended lesson plans.

“A must-have for those serious about the teaching of drama in primary school settings” - Teaching Drama magazine

Published by Drama Resource (2011) ISBN 978-1-4478-7732-5
Buy now from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com