Herrings and Hops - a video resource for SEND settings

This video resource has been developed for working with young people with special educational needs and disabilities by EFDSS’ Inclusive Folk tutors, Emmie Ward, Nicholas Goode and Alice Barnard

The videos and the accompanying booklet can be used in online tuition or as an inspiration for in-person classes and workshops. Both songs are traditional English folk songs that have been adapted by the Inclusive Folk team.

The Herring’s Head is a cumulative folk song which can be changed and added to in different ways depending on your group of young people. It is especially suitable as a basis for a sensory session where the different verses can be supported with smell, touch, lights, sounds etc. As a sensory activity, this song will work well for young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). You can view download the video from this page, and also download and save it onto your computer – or you can play it on YouTube.

Hopping Down in Kent uses storytelling and acting to develop the song’s lyrics. It deals with the historical practice of Londoners leaving the city for a working holiday in the countryside. The narrators support the storyline with Makaton signs and, if you are streaming the video via YouTube, there is also the option to view the whole text subtitled.

The booklet includes sheet music, lyrics and more information about the songs and suggestions for use.

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.

https://www.efdss.org/learning/resources/a-z/55-resources/learning-resources/10329-herrings-and-hops