Toddler Talk: Sing a Song

Sometimes, we teachers are in need of a song to sing that helps the kids learn important concepts. There are a myriad of tried and true musical numbers that help kids master letters, shapes, colors and the like. Great, wonderful! But what are you supposed to sing when they are going thru a phase of 'I like to scream really loud inside because another kid just did and it was really funny, and now i want to do it again. Because I like to.'?

What do you sing then?

You make up a new and amazing song to the tune of Frere Jacques...because if you don't, your eardrums just may explode!

We were working on the goal of 'appropriate voice levels for all occasions' last week, and my dear co-teacher Christy busted out a little diddy she created that fit the bill just right:

The kids thought it was DELIGHTFUL and we sang it together all week! It was a great springboard for casual conversation about where to be loud and where to be.....not loud.

So, the next time you have an issue with your little kiddo (not that your kids ever have issues, I am sure they are perfect, lovely angels all the time just like mine) that you just don't know how to remedy, I highly suggest making up a song about it. No need to compose your own original score, just use a familiar tune and go for it. My toddlers are most definitely more engaged and open to learning new concepts when singing is involved!

p.s. one more song we made up (at least i think its an original) to the same tune is a fun way to rock the Peek-a-boo game:

Who is hiding, who is hiding?
Can you guess, can you guess?
Peek-a-boo its (name here).
Peek-a-boo its (name here).
Who is next, who is next?

Another crowd favorite that they could literally sing for hours! Happy composing:)