Musical Explorers Program 11: Gullah Music Lesson 2

Lesson 2: Learning “Green Sally”

Jump to section:

Quiana Teaches “Green Sally” Sing “Green Sally”

Aim: How does a children’s game become a song?
Summary: Students will learn to sing “Green Sally,” explore the children’s games associated with the song, learn about the breakdown, and try their hand at Gullah quilting.
Materials: Musical Explorers digital resources, Musical Explorers Student Guide, quilting materials
Standards: National 1, 2, 6, 10, 11; NYC 1, 2, 3, 4
Vocabulary: breakdown, quilt

“Green Sally” was originally a clapping game—one of the games children in the Low Country played to keep them occupied while the adults worked. It also became a jump rope game. The rhythms and rhymes grew directly out of African traditions.

Quiana Teaches “Green Sally”

Play Video

“Green Sally” Demonstration

Gullah music artist Quiana teaches “Green Sally”

Sing “Green Sally”

Listen to “Green Sally” to hear the full song.
Clap the steady beat while speaking the words to “Green Sally,” noticing and accentuating the rhythm of the words.
Sing "Green Sally” using “Green Sally” chorus, continuing to clap the steady beat. Start by learning the chorus and add the verses and breakdown as your students are ready.
Listen to “Green Sally” one more time, clapping the Gullah beat included in Lesson 1

Use the dropdown menu to select an audio track.

Don't Forget

Explore More Core Activities

As a warm up or to supplement your lessons, these classroom activities are designed to support students' musical curiosity and development.

Share Your Feedback

Help us improve the Musical Explorers experience by sharing your feedback in a five-minute survey.

Image Credits

Salt tidal marshes by Castle Light Images / Alamy Stock Photo