One Grey Elephant Balancing

"One Grey Elephant Balancing" is a popular British counting song that has been sung in schools and youth groups throughout the 20th century.

Origins

The song emerged in Britain during the mid-20th century and became especially popular in primary schools. It's structured as an incremental counting song that can theoretically continue indefinitely.

How It's Performed

The song is typically performed as a group action song:

• Children walk in a line, arms linked, swaying like elephants
• Each verse adds another "elephant" to the chain
• The song continues until the group reaches the desired number
• The final verse ends with the string breaking and everyone falling down

Educational Value

The song teaches:

• Counting upward: Adding one elephant at a time
• Cooperation: Children must work together as the "string"
• Balance: Physical balancing while moving in a line
• Ordinal numbers: First elephant, second elephant, etc.
• Anticipation: Building to the dramatic finale

The Dramatic Ending

The song's popularity partly stems from its ending—all the elephants falling when the string breaks. This provides a satisfying, physical conclusion that children find hilarious.

Variations

Some versions count up to five, while others continue until teachers wish to stop. The adaptability makes it useful for different age groups and contexts.