Montessori Circle Time Songs for Homeschool Families: 9 Name Games That Build Connection, Confidence, and Joy
You don't need twenty children sitting in a perfect circle to enjoy circle time.
In fact, one of my favorite parts of Montessori homeschooling is that so many beautiful classroom traditions become even more meaningful at home. When you sing together on the couch, clap your child's name while making breakfast, or start your morning with a silly game that makes everyone laugh, you're creating something much more important than a lesson.
You're building connection.
Parents often tell me they worry their homeschool won't feel "real" because they only have one or two children. They picture busy Montessori classrooms full of songs, movement, and community and wonder if they're missing something.
Sweet friend, you're not.
Many parents are wondering how Montessori homeschooling actually works at home, and it’s so much more simple than you might htink!
A daily gathering can be as simple as sitting together for five minutes before beginning your work. You might sing a welcome song, practice your child's name, share something you're grateful for, or simply enjoy being together before the day unfolds.
These simple moments help your child feel secure, strengthen language, encourage careful listening, and bring joy into your homeschool rhythm.
Even better, they don't require expensive materials or hours of preparation or training. You don't have to be a trained teacher to create meaningful Montessori moments.
Here are nine of our favorite Montessori friendly name games that families have loved for years.
1. Hickley Pickley Bumblebee
For this name game, sit cross-legged on the floor and pat your knees while you chant in a regular, somewhat emphatic voice . It's not an easy one for little ones, so it will be mostly the adult chanting. You want their attention to draw toward you as you get softer so that by the time you are mouthing the name silently, the children are totally focused on your mouth and you have their full attention.
Hicklety picklety bumblebee
Who can say their name for me?
Allison! (loudly)
Allison. (whispered)
All-i-son. (mouthed without vocalizing)
Why we love it
This playful chant naturally encourages careful listening and attention. Your child watches your mouth closely, listens for changes in volume, and delights in hearing their own name.
2. Johnny Whoops
This is a name game that starts with your index finger pointing to each finger in succession. Start by pointing at the pinky and when you get to the index finger, "whoops" toward your thumb, say the name on the thumb, then whoops backwards again toward your pinky. The sillier and more drawn out your "whoooooooops" the more laughter and excitement you'll generate. This is a real crowd pleaser. Every child loves to hear his/her own name whoopsing back and forth.
Johnny Johnny Johnny Johnny
Whoops! Johnny
Whoops! Johnny
Johnny Johnny Johnny!
Why we love it
Repetition, rhythm, and laughter make this one irresistible. Don't be surprised if your child asks to play it over and over.
3. Jack in the Box
For this name game, the child sits on the floor all curled up hiding his head (the yoga "child's pose"). When you shout, "Yes, he will!" the child pops up...just like a jack in the box, arms up overhead as if to say, "Ta-da!"
Christopher in the box, sits soooooo still.
Will he come out?
Yes he WILL!
Why we love it
Movement songs like this help children coordinate their bodies while practicing self control, anticipation, and joyful participation.
4. Willoughby Wallaby Woo
First listen to and learn the tune to Willoughby Wallaby Woo by Raffi. Then just sing this short verse below, substituting in the child's name. If you have an elephant puppet or little stuffed elephant to literally "walk" over and "sit" on the child, all the more giggle-inducing!
Willoughby wallaby woo
An elephant sat on YOU (point finger toward child whose name will be used)
Willoughby Wallaby Wistopher
An elephant sat on Christopher!
Why we love it
Children naturally become more aware of beginning sounds in words while laughing at the wonderfully silly rhymes.
⭐️ Looking for more than activity ideas?
Most Montessori parents don't struggle because they need another song. They struggle because they're wondering what comes after the song.
If you've ever thought, "How do I know what to teach next?" you'll love our Montessori homeschool guide to finding your child’s level.
5. Pig on Her Head
First listen to and learn the song Pig On Her Head by Laurie Berkner. Fill a bag with small toy animals. Let the child reach in and take one out of the mystery bag and place the animal on his head. Switch the song up by choosing another animal out of the bag or by placing it on another body part. This is a delightfully goofy song.
George has a sheep on his neck,
George has a sheep on his neck,
George has a sheep on his neck,
And he'll keep it there all day!
Why we love it
Humor has a beautiful way of lowering pressure and inviting participation. Songs like this build vocabulary while giving everyone permission to be delightfully goofy.
6. Who Is Missing?
Lay out a blanket or very large scarf on the floor. Ask the child to curl up (child's pose) on the floor, and make a dramatic point of draping the blanket carefully on top. It then becomes a game of peek-a-boo. It's so foolishly simple, but always a winner! I never had a child who didn't want to take a turn hiding after this game was played a few times and everyone was comfortable. Sometimes you have to speak quickly because the child won't want to wait for the dramatic pause and will swoosh the blanket off him/herself very quickly. That's just part of the fun.
Hmmm....someone is missing! Who is it? Who's missing? It's...(pull off blanket in a big swooosh).....Kaitlyn!"
Why we love it
Simple games of surprise encourage observation, memory, and joyful anticipation. They also happen to become favorite traditions in many homeschool families.
7. You Hoo!
I learned this one back in my college music education class and I have no idea who wrote or published it, so feel free to link up the tune if you find it. Until then, make up your own little tune to sing to the words. This time the child hides behind something in the room (a desk? the couch?). You begin by singing and "hunting" with your eyes.
Somebody's hiding inside the closet.
I wonder who it could be... Yoo hoo... You hoo...(child sings back from the hiding place)
I wonder who it could be. ....It's Evan!
Why we love it
Your child practices listening carefully, recognizing voices, and participating confidently, all while feeling seen and celebrated.
8. Clapping Names
So simple but also fun! Just go around the circle clapping each child's name with each syllable.
Let's clap Harriet. Harr-i-et!
Now let's clap Kathy. Ka-thy!
Why we love it
Clapping syllables helps your child hear the natural rhythm of language in an enjoyable, playful way.
9. Who Do We Appreciate?
Be forewarned. This is not a quiet chant. It's a rile-em-up and make them feel like a million bucks chant. For this one, you're going to put on your very best cheerleader voice and grin, clap your hands and at the end wiggle your fingers up in the air like you've won the game!
2-4-6-8 Who do we appreciate?
Zachary! Zachary! Yaaaaaaayyyyy Zachary!
Woooo!
Why we love it
Every child lights up when they feel celebrated. Ending your gathering with encouragement reminds your child that learning is rooted in love and belonging.
Circle Time Isn't Really About Circle Time
Here's something I've noticed after years of supporting Montessori homeschool families.
Parents almost never struggle because they need more activities.
There are thousands of activity ideas on the internet. Hundreds of songs on YouTube. More printable games than anyone could ever use.
The real question isn't, "What should we sing today?"
It's, "How do I know what to teach next?"
That's the question that keeps parents awake at night.
Am I covering enough?
Am I missing something important?
How do reading, math, science, and practical life all fit together?
Those questions can't be answered by another list of activities.
They need a thoughtful plan.
That's exactly why we created the Child of the Redwoods Curriculum.
Every joyful activity has a purpose within a complete Montessori scope and sequence. You'll know what comes next, why it matters, and how each lesson builds naturally on the one before it. Instead of collecting random ideas from dozens of websites, you'll have a clear roadmap that grows with your child from ages two through nine.
You'll still sing. You'll still laugh. You'll still enjoy wonderful moments like these.
You'll simply know where they fit.
And real Montessori homeschooling families will tell you that confidence changes everything.
Ready for More Than Random Activities?
If you're looking for more than a collection of songs and printable activities, I'd love to show you how Montessori homeschooling can feel calm, organized, and joyful.
Explore our complete Montessori Homeschool Curriculum for Ages 2 to 9 to see how fully scripted lessons, a clear scope and sequence, and ongoing support help parents teach with confidence while keeping all the wonder and connection that make homeschooling so special.
