Sail Away

A nice piece with a large range.  Two accessible descants for upper elementary.

Sources: Locke, E.Sail Away
Brumfield, Susan.

Old Dan Tucker

When I teach a unit about songs, games, and dances of the pioneers, this song gets the most requests.  It's funny and the dance can be complicated, or as simple as one dancer improvising in the middle of a circle of singers.
Sources: Ed. by Eisen, Ann and Robertson, Lamar.  An American Methodology: An Inclusive Approach to Musical Literacy p. 359
Lomax, John and Alan.  American Ballads and Folk Songs p. 258
Youtube has a great video of Fox and Branch playing their version of the song.

Old Brass Wagon

This song is great for teaching beginning square dance skills and can be done easily in a large circle.
Source: Trinka, Jill.  The Little Black Bull pp. 34-35

Hunt the Slipper

I like to have students play this three-note Jamaican folk song on the recorder.  It's also fun when played as a game.
Source: Ed. by Erdei, Peter.  150 American Folk Songs to Sing, Read, and Play p. 5
Game From Child, Maria.  Girl's Own Book, pub. 1834
Online Quilter Website http://www.onlinequilter.com/MommyMe/19thCenturyChildrensGames/tabid/275/Default.aspx

Down Came A Lady

I especially like to sing this song in October and have students sing about and move like all the creepy creatures that they can think of.
Source: Ed. by Erdei, Peter.  150 American Folk Songs to Sing, Read, and Play p. 17

Chicken in the Fence Post (Dance Josey)

Children can either sing this song as a vocal improvisation with new reasons why they can't dance or as a circle game in which two players try to be the first to "rescue" a chicken or other animal trapped in the fence.
Source: Ed. Erdei, Peter. 150 American Folk Songs to Sing, Read, and Play p.51

Bluebells, Cockleshells

This is a good song to pair with early jump-rope skills if you have a big enough space to turn the rope so the player can run under it.  It's also good for preparing and presenting low so.
Source: Brumfield, Susan.  Hot Peas and Barley-O: Children's Songs and Games From England

Alabama Gal

This is a fun, though challenging double-line dance to do with older students.  It's also great for preparing and presenting the eighth-quarter-eighth (or "syncopa") rhythm.
Sources:  Seeger, Pete. American Play Parties, Folkway Records #87604. 1959
McDowell, LL. Handy Play Party Book, copyright 1938.