tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63816088065540967772024-03-13T04:01:12.130-07:00Pre-School Music & Circle TimeFor parents and teachers. Enjoy!Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-41813673432010606442016-07-21T07:05:00.001-07:002016-07-21T07:05:15.592-07:00Banana Tree MathThis song by Mike Eppley is a big hit! (Link used with permission)<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hSqy9ejUc7c" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
The tune is charming, and it is a great way to expose young learners to early concepts of subtraction and division.<br />
<br />
<i>To introduce the song, I explain that to share the bananas with a friend, if we can't have the same number of bananas, you should always give your friend the bigger number (so it's a manners lesson too).</i><br />
<br />
<b>Five bananas on banana tree,</b><br />
<b>Three for you and two for me.</b> <i>(Three fingers on one hand, Two on the other)</i><br />
<b>Five bananas on banana tree,</b><br />
<b>OH! I love those bananas.</b><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWuUDxSFhxo/V5DTl_vE9sI/AAAAAAAAOTw/JMj_6InbxvAt8ZR_BgB4iSgt75WI-odngCLcB/s1600/bananas%2B005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img alt="" border="0" height="222" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWuUDxSFhxo/V5DTl_vE9sI/AAAAAAAAOTw/JMj_6InbxvAt8ZR_BgB4iSgt75WI-odngCLcB/s320/bananas%2B005.jpg" title="Banana Tree math song by Mike Eppley, subtraction and division song for children, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog" width="320" /></b></a><br />
<b>One banana fell to the floor.....</b><br />
<b>And now there are only four.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Four bananas on banana tree,</b><br />
<b>Two for you and two for me.</b><br />
<b>Four bananas on banana tree,</b><br />
<b>OH! I love those bananas.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>One banana fell from the tree .....</b><br />
<b>And now there are only three .</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Three bananas on banana tree,</b><br />
<b>Two for you and one for me.</b><br />
<b>Three bananas on banana tree,</b><br />
<b>OH! I love those bananas.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>One banana went to the zoo ...</b> <i>(make monkey sounds)</i><br />
<b>And now there are only two .</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Two bananas on banana tree,</b><br />
<b>One for you and one for me.</b><br />
<b>Two bananas on banana tree,</b><br />
<b>OH! I love those bananas.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>One banana came undone ....</b><br />
<b>And now there is only one. </b><br />
<i>(At this point I stop to ask them what to do. </i><br />
<i>They already had the concept of "half" and were happy to tell me to cut it in half.)</i><br />
<br />
<b>One bananas on banana tree,</b><br />
<b>Half for you and half for me.</b> <i>(bend your index fingers in half to show two halves)</i><br />
<b>One bananas on banana tree,</b><br />
<b>OH! I love those bananas.</b><br />
<br />
Sometimes I'll ask the kids if there were other ways they could have shared the last banana. They loved problem solving on this question.Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-92188419912322714992016-05-06T16:01:00.001-07:002016-05-06T16:01:17.558-07:00Over in the Meadow and the Caterpillar songSunshine often ends the year on a Meadow theme, just in time for the Mom's Day program.<br />
<br />
This year we sang along with <a href="http://www.laurieberkner.com/music/song-lyrics/19-music/lyrics/466-over-in-the-meadow.html" target="_blank">Laurie Berkner's great rendition</a> of this favorite children's song.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guCUPq39qdE/Vy0bzCie7-I/AAAAAAAAM1M/Kz4l83xxIikGj0luUHGMRhAibDMHGG3XQCLcB/s1600/turtle%2Bsmall.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="105" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guCUPq39qdE/Vy0bzCie7-I/AAAAAAAAM1M/Kz4l83xxIikGj0luUHGMRhAibDMHGG3XQCLcB/s200/turtle%2Bsmall.png" title="Turtle, Over in the Meadow, Arabella Miler Caterpillar Song, Sunshine Preschool Muisc Blog, spring and Mother's Day songs for children." width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyXv4Q2s3ts" target="_blank">youtube of this recording</a><br />
<br />
The kids really enjoyed making the sound effects for this song, especially the "squeek"!<br />
<br />
Over in the meadow in the sand in the sun,<br />
lived an old mother turtle and her little turtle one.<br />
"Dig," said the mother, "I dig," said the one, <i>("digging")</i><br />
and they dug all day in the sand in the sun.<br />
<br />
Over in the meadow where the Stream runs blue,<br />
lived an Old mother fish and her Little fishies two.<br />
"Swim," said the mother, <i>(palms together, pointing forward, sway hands side to side)</i><br />
"We swim," said the two, <br />
and they Swam all day where the stream runs blue.<br />
<br />
Over in the meadow in a hole in the tree,<br />
Lived an old mother owl and her Little owls three.<br />
"Whoo," said the mother, "We whoo," said the three, <i>(Hands around mouth)</i><br />
and they Whooed all day in the hole in the tree.<br />
<br />
Over in the meadow by the big barn door,<br />
Lived an old mother mouse and her little mousies four.<br />
"Squeak," said the mother, "We squeak," said the four, <i>(Fingers like mousey whiskers)</i><br />
and they squeaked all day by the big barn door.<br />
<br />
Over in the meadow in a snug beehive,<br />
Lived an old mother bee and her little bees five.<br />
"Buzz," said the mother, "We buzz," said the five, <i>(Hands out to sides like little wings)</i><br />
and they buzzed all day in the snug beehive.<br />
<br />
Bzzz Bzzz Bzzz <i>("Buzzing" motion, raise hands slowly up to over the head)</i><br />
<br />
OVER IN THE MEADOW! <i>(nice and loud!)</i><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ7hS-Y1IDY/Vy0fpFH7QdI/AAAAAAAAM1Y/S4nak433uiEw8M1baqRP3YqT9uU5sPs5ACLcB/s1600/arabella%2Bsmall.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ7hS-Y1IDY/Vy0fpFH7QdI/AAAAAAAAM1Y/S4nak433uiEw8M1baqRP3YqT9uU5sPs5ACLcB/s1600/arabella%2Bsmall.png" title="Fuzzy Caterillar, Over in the Meadow, Arabella Miler Caterpillar Song, Sunshine Preschool Muisc Blog, spring and Mother's Day songs for children." /></a><i><br /></i><br />
<h4>
Arabella Miller</h4>
<br />
And we sang this easy fingerplay song, which simply goes up the musical scale.<br />
<br />
<i>(On "Do")</i><br />
<b>Little Arabella Miller</b> (one arm held out, fingers of other hand tickle top of outstretched hand)<br />
<i>(On "Re")</i><br />
<b>Had a fuzzy caterpillar</b> (tickling hand slowly rises up arm)<br />
<i>(Mi Fa)</i><br />
<b>First it crawled up on her mother, </b>(up to the shoulder)<br />
<i>(Sol La)</i><br />
<b>Then up on her baby brother, </b>(Quick, switch arms! and tickle up to other shoulder)<br />
<i>(Ti Do)</i><br />
<b>They said "Arabella Miller" </b>(Both hands tickle up to top of head)<br />
(PAUSE)<br />
<br /><i>(Descending scale -- fast!)</i><br />
<b>"PUT AWAY YOUR CATERPILLAR!" </b>(Both hands scurry behind back)<br />
<br />
Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-58310943014760831672016-03-09T08:11:00.001-08:002016-03-09T08:11:50.917-08:00Love Grows and Planting Seeds of Love<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EYBOYU?ie=UTF8&keywords=love%20grows%20kathy&qid=1457535031&ref_=sr_1_3&sr=8-3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61FycwvkLsL._SS280.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Love Grows One by One<br />Kathy Reid-Naiman<br />Album: Reaching for the Stars</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Both of these beautiful songs are wonderful program pieces, lend themselves to easy hand motions or sign language, and teach a worthy message.</span><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EYBOYU?ie=UTF8&keywords=love%20grows%20kathy&qid=1457535031&ref_=sr_1_3&sr=8-3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></a>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Love Grows, One by One</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Words and music by <a href="http://www.songsforteaching.com/caroljohnson/lovegrowsonebyone.htm" target="_blank">Carol Johnson</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.merriweather.ca/reaching-for-the-stars.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can hear the entire recording by Kathy Reid Naiman HERE.</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because this piece is copyrighted, I will not give all the lyrics for this gorgeous song. You can find the <a href="http://www.corwin.com/changetheworld/chapters/Summaries/02/Lovegrows.pdf" target="_blank">complete lyrics HERE.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are the easy hand motions we are using for the chorus:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;">Love grows, </strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;">(crossing hands over heart)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;">one by one </strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;">(single finger on both hands)<br /><b>Two by two </b>(two fingers, both hands)</span></span><br />
<b>and four by four </b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;">(etc..)<br /><b>Love grows </b>(crossing hands again)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;">'round like a circle </strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;">(extend arms overhead in circle and opening down at sides)<br /><b>And comes back knocking at your front door. </b>(right fist taps left palm in rhythm)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The verses lend themselves to easy motions as well - keep it simple. In the second verse the lyrics suggest holding hands, and as we sing <b>"reach for all our sisters and our brothers"</b> we lift up our joined hands. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I nearly start crying every time.</span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015M7O0G?ie=UTF8&keywords=pam%20donkin%20planting&qid=1457537493&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61FZsyhAzmL._SS280.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This link goes to purchase digital<br />
download on Amazon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Planting Seeds of Love</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Words and music by Pam Donkin</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pam Donkin has generously dedicated a website to sharing this wonderful song for FREE. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.plantingseedsoflove.com/" target="_blank">Find it HERE at plantingseedsoflove.com</a></span></span><br />
The site also features<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"> accompaniment and karaoke tracks AND sheet music, as well as lesson plans and enrichment activities across the curriculum. AMAZING!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/XR0V16vwnyw" target="_blank">Youtube Version HERE</a></span><br />
<br />
Verse One:<br />
<b>I am planting seeds of love in my heart</b><br />
<b>I am planting seeds of love in my heart</b><br />
<b>And as they grow, I’ll take them everywhere I go</b><br />
<b>I am planting seeds of love in my heart</b><br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-Mfa_YHKsQ/VuBBklLuhMI/AAAAAAAAMXw/zHUqh6NJBt0/s1600/love%2Bgrows2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-Mfa_YHKsQ/VuBBklLuhMI/AAAAAAAAMXw/zHUqh6NJBt0/s200/love%2Bgrows2.png" title=""Love Grows, One by One" and "Planting Seeds of Love", two wonderful songs for children's programs, Kindergarten, Pre K, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog" width="100" /></a><br />
<b>Other verses feature planting seeds of Peace, seeds of Song. </b><br />
<br />
Chorus:<br />
<b>And as they grow</b><br />
<b>They overflow</b><br />
<b>In every part</b><br />
<b>Of my heart</b><br />
<b>Heart to heart</b><br />
<b>Friend to friend</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Pam Donkin suggests adapting this song for children to sing the song directly to their parents by singing <b>"YOU are planting seed of love in my heart"</b><br />
<a href="http://www.pamdonkin.com/activities.html" target="_blank">See her adaptation HERE.</a><br />
<br />
This song lends itself to using American Sign Language. There are video dictionaries online to help choreograph this. I recommend keeping it VERY simple.<br />
<a href="http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi" target="_blank">Here's "Love" from ASLpro.com</a><br />
<a href="https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/GROW/3565/1" target="_blank">Here's "Grow" from signingsavvy.com</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<a href="http://www.plantingseedsoflove.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Planting-Seeds-of-Love-lyrics.pdf" target="_blank">PDF of complete lyrics</a><br />
Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-84502644417498428682015-12-31T10:40:00.002-08:002015-12-31T10:40:39.986-08:00Mr. Troll May I Cross Your Bridge?This game is based vaguely on "Three Billy Goat's Gruff". The kids always love it!<br />
It uses listening & creative skills, as well as taking turns and following <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rOueTbIU4cg/VoVxM5XoYlI/AAAAAAAAL64/CSewe4pS94c/s1600/beaconfirst_057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rOueTbIU4cg/VoVxM5XoYlI/AAAAAAAAL64/CSewe4pS94c/s320/beaconfirst_057.jpg" title="Illustration thanks to Grandma's Graphics, Billy Goat's Gruff as a game for children, listening and creative skills, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog" width="320" /></a></div>
directions.<br />
<br />
The kids line up at one side of the room, and I put out a "Bridge" in the middle of the room.<br />
<br />
In the past I have used a low bench and held their hands for safety. This year I am going to construct something lower to the ground.<br />
<br />
I tell them that they will have to ask the troll if they may cross the bridge.<br />
<br />
Then we all sing (in a sing-song voice)<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
ALL: <i style="font-weight: bold;">"Oh Mr. Troll, --- may I cross your bridge?"</i><br />
<br />
And I pick a child and say:<br />
<br />
TEACHER: "<b><i>You may cross my bridge if you ask me in a ___________ voice!"</i></b><br />
<br />
(soft, loud, high, low, growly, happy, sad, robot, squeaky, whispering etc...)<br />
<br />
And to help them understand, sometimes I demonstrate that voice, saying:<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
TEACHER: <i><b>"May I cross your bridge?"</b></i> in that kind of voice.<br />
<br />
The child then asks:<br />
<br />
CHILD: <i><b>"May I cross your bridge?"</b></i><br />
<br />
TEACHER: <b><i>"Yes, you may!" </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
After we have played the game once or twice, I usually don't need to demonstrate the voice types. The kids can also start to come up with their own funny voices.<br />
<br />
Once they have crossed the bridge, they sit at the other end of the room while other children have a turn.<br />
<br />
THE BRIDGE<br />
For safety this year, I'm probably just going to use a board on the floor -- maybe with low pavers underneath if it is stable and won't flip up when stepped on.<br />
No one got hurt in the past - this is just cautionary. Children's footwear fashions are tending towards stiff & chunky soles - not good for games requiring agility.Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-39261446332133893522015-12-19T07:23:00.000-08:002015-12-19T07:23:41.247-08:00Apple Starts with "A", GREAT Phonics Song!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0rFEbx9AbUs/VnVxmOv0GEI/AAAAAAAALug/61fvXlbrbOs/s1600/apple%2Bsmall.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0rFEbx9AbUs/VnVxmOv0GEI/AAAAAAAALug/61fvXlbrbOs/s1600/apple%2Bsmall.png" title="Apple Starts with A, ABC Phonics song by The Learning Station, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog, Reading Readiness for young children" /></a>Just before storytime, I teach the kids one new letter of the alphabet, and we practice making its sound. Then we practice saying the names of the letters we have learned so far, and finally we sing <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009L33IJC/ref=dm_ws_sp_ps_dp">The Learning Station's ABC Phonics</a> song - just up to our new letter.<br />
So far this year we are up to the letter K.<br />
<br />
They are always so eager to move on to the next letter. This week they were so disappointed they could not sing the letter L for Lion until after Christmas!<br />
<br />
The pace is lively enough to make it fun, but not too fast. The melody is super simple. I'm always impressed how much the kids enjoy singing this; they take learning their letters very seriously.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009L33IJC/ref=dm_ws_sp_ps_dp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61fKvj4RgkL._SS280.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<h4>
ABC Phonics </h4>
by The Learning Station<br />
<br />
<b>Apple Starts with A,</b><br />
<b>ah - ah - apple,</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Bear Starts with B,</b><br />
<b>b - b - bear, </b><br />
<br />
... and so it goes. So simple and effective.Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-47895301317915736662015-12-06T16:11:00.000-08:002015-12-09T08:35:20.687-08:00Christmas 2015 ~ A Funny Jingle Bells, The Mitten in the Snow SongHi Sunshine Parents!<br />
<br />
Here is a list of all our Christmas songs this year. I don't like to teach Christmas music all through November, so if you want to help your kids learn these songs I welcome the help.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Jingle Bells</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
This year we are not using the "Dashing through the snow" verse,<br />
but are singing our special Sunshine verse instead:<br />
<br />
<i>A day or two ago, </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cucQioUebg/VmRgMLqePgI/AAAAAAAALjw/umNrYiKxOgI/s1600/sleighsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cucQioUebg/VmRgMLqePgI/AAAAAAAALjw/umNrYiKxOgI/s1600/sleighsmall.jpg" title="The Mitten in the Snow Song, Silly Jingle Bells, Christmas songs for 2015, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog" /></a></i></div>
<i>I thought I'd take a ride,</i><br />
<i>And soon my Sunshine Pals </i><br />
<i>were seated by my side. </i><br />
<i>Our horse was running fast, </i><br />
<i>as fast as he could go,</i><br />
<i>He tripped over a snowball and we all fell in the snow! OH!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,</i><br />
<i>Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, HEY! </i><br />
<i>Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,</i><br />
<i>Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, HEY! </i><br />
<br />
<h3>
The Mitten in the Snow Song</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
This simple song is sung to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell",<br />
and goes through all the animals in Jan Brett's telling of "The Mitten".<br />
If you have a copy of this book, you can sing the song as you tell the story.<br />
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</div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>The mitten in the snow</i><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_wdEVDW1K8/VmRkrZNSztI/AAAAAAAALkQ/Y0YVdIkHSMQ/s1600/mitten%2Bsmall3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_wdEVDW1K8/VmRkrZNSztI/AAAAAAAALkQ/Y0YVdIkHSMQ/s1600/mitten%2Bsmall3.jpg" title="The Mitten in the Snow Song, Silly Jingle Bells, Christmas songs for 2015, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog" /></a><i>The mitten in the snow</i><br />
<i>Help us please so we won’t freeze!</i><br />
<i>The mitten in the snow.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>A mole squeezes in</i><br />
<i>A mole squeezes in</i><br />
<i>Help us please so we won’t freeze!</i><br />
<i>A mole squeezes in</i><br />
<i></i><br />
<br />
Then for then next SEVEN VERSES it goes through all the animals who join the mole in the mitten! (For the purpose of our program, we probably won't sing every verse!)<br />
<br />
<i>Rabbit</i><br />
<i>Hedgehog</i><br />
<i>Owl</i><br />
<i>Badger</i><br />
<i>Fox</i><br />
<i>Bear</i><br />
<i>Mouse</i><br />
<br />
And finally:<br />
<br />
<i>The bear says, “A-choo!”</i><br />
<i>The bear says, “A-choo!”</i><br />
<i>All the animals fly out of</i><br />
<i>The mitten in the snow!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<h4>
All the other songs...</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://sunshinepres.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-songs-2014.html">These songs are described in last year's Christmas post (link)</a><br />
<a href="http://sunshinepres.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-songs-2014.html"><b>Peppermint Stick</b></a><br />
<a href="http://sunshinepres.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-songs-2014.html"><b>Up on the Housetop</b></a><br />
<a href="http://sunshinepres.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-songs-2014.html"><b>Ring the Bells</b></a><br />
<a href="http://sunshinepres.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-songs-2014.html"><b>Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer </b></a><br />
<br />
And...<br />
<b>Away in a Manger </b>(first verse)<br />
<b>Ring those Bells and Turn Around</b><br />
<b>We Wish You a Merry Christmas</b>Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-70520797218899111322015-11-22T06:33:00.002-08:002015-11-22T06:41:02.846-08:00"Too Much Noise" and other dramatic participation stories<i>"The bed creaked. </i><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Too-Much-Noise-Sandpiper-books/dp/0395629853/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448202435&sr=8-1&keywords=too+much+noise" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61wdlgRVhwL._SY398_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="252" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>The floor squeaked."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
And that is just the beginning of Peter's troubles.<br />
I quickly go over the sounds to make: creak, squeak, swish, & hiss before launching into the story. (Hand motions are fun too)<br />
<br />
The children won't have any trouble helping you with the animal sounds (encourage this).<br />
<br />
And there is a lovely, quiet resolution.<br />
<br />
<i>"Ah. Oh,"..."How quiet my house is."</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Caps For Sale</b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Caps-Sale-Peddler-Monkeys-Business/dp/0064431436/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448202832&sr=8-1&keywords=caps+for+sale" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class=" " data-mce-selected="1" data-mce-src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51461AFTW8L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51461AFTW8L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" height="248" style="background-color: white; color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; height: auto; line-height: 25.5px; max-width: 100%; outline: rgb(119, 119, 119) solid 1px; resize: none;" title=""Caps for Sale" Storytelling with children, dramatic participation stories for preschool, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog" width="248" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<i>"Caps! Caps for sale! Fifty cents a cap!"</i><br />
<br />
This classic story begs to be interpreted dramatically.<br />
<br />
The children can call out the peddler's market banter.<br />
<br />
Then when the peddler interacts with the monkeys, you can be the peddler, and the class can be the monkeys. This is so much fun.<br />
<br />
BOTH of these stories feature an individual with a problem. As soon as it is obvious what the problem is, you can ask the kids how they would solve it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>More dramatic participation stories</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
I tell three from this one nearly every year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Gibberish-Other-Story-Stretches/dp/1932279784/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448202874&sr=8-1&keywords=crazy+gibberish" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/410xuqmD74L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="320" title=""Crazy Gibberish" Storytelling with children, dramatic participation stories for preschool, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
To tell these stories, you'll want to memorize the basic idea, and then ad lib the actual telling.<br />
<br />
Make it fun! When the prince goes riding to fight the wizard, make everyone bounce up & down as you call out silly obstacles "He rode through the pizza forest!"<br />
<br />
Over the years, my artsy daughters have created puppets to aid my storytelling, and the children love them, especially the beautiful Snow Queen.<br />
<br />
I give the children a chance to pet my dragon puppet before I tell the story about the lazy dragon. See, not so scary.<br />
<br />
The story about the Emperor invites exploration into all kinds of sounds: chimes, gongs, clocks, and all manner of bird songs. You could spend a whole class on this story.<br />
<br />
And don't forget your favorite from summer camp: <span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Goin' on a Lion Hunt"</b></span>. Always works.Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-33554051756245614542015-11-11T10:33:00.000-08:002015-11-22T06:47:48.014-08:00Connie Kaldor's Honey, Honey, Honey! A Song about a Bear and a BeeThis song NEVER fails to bring BIG smiles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61-tk-w1VwL._SS280.jpg" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Honey, Honey, Honey by Connie Kaldor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Honey, Honey, Honey</span></b><br />
<br />
A bear climbs a tree and makes a piece of toast.<br />
<br />
He then demands ALL of the honey from a hard working bee.<br />
<br />
What happens next?<br />
<br />
The reason this song works so well is the simple chorus:<br />
<br />
<i>"HONEEEEEY! honey honey honey honey honey"</i><br />
<br />
When I teach it to the kids, we learn this part first, throwing our hands wildly in the air with the first loud "HONEY!", and shaking them down with the five repeated honeys. They love it. We change the emotion of the chorus as the story progresses, and always over the top.<br />
<br />
I also made magnets to tell the story: a bear, a piece of toast, a bee, and a jar of jam.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.conniekaldor.com/DATA/TX_album/ADuckLyricsAndCharts.pdf" target="_blank">For copyright reasons, here is a link to the lyrics</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wq_o-pBeR4" target="_blank">AND, here is Connie's performance on Youtube!</a><br />
<br />
Lyrics and Music by Connie Kaldor, available as a download through Amazon or other sources, but check out the whole album for other winning tunes.Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-73981357000897617902015-10-08T11:35:00.001-07:002015-10-30T11:18:58.775-07:00Naughty Pussycat as a GameThe version of this little song I have used for years is different from the one I find all over the internet. This year I have changed mine a bit to make it even more fun. (see options below)<br />
<br />
To use this song, (any version) as a game, choose one child to sit in the center of the circle. They will be the pussycat, and they will get to "Meeeeow" like a cat two times before they Scat! I praise them for their unique cat sounds.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg-8Ja_tpbA/Vha0_2fQiHI/AAAAAAAAK20/aGYHbiT1yQM/s1600/calico.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg-8Ja_tpbA/Vha0_2fQiHI/AAAAAAAAK20/aGYHbiT1yQM/s1600/calico.png" title="Naughty Pussycat as a game for young children. Easy cat song for kids, Sunshine Preschool Blog." /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Naughty Pussycat! </b>(wag your finger)<br />
Child in center says "Meeeeow"<br />
<b>Messy kitty cat!</b><b> </b>(wag your finger)<br />
Child in center says "Meeeeow"<br />
<b>You have </b><i><u>(pizza, playdough, ice cream etc...)</u></i><b> on your whiskers </b><br />
(fingers to cheeks, pull away showing whiskers)<br />
<b>Naughty Pussycat - SCAT! </b><br />
(toss your hands out with the word Scat)<br />
Child in center scoots back to the circle, the next child becomes the cat.<br />
<br />
The simple melody I use is<br />
<i>Sol Sol Mi Mi Sol, </i><br />
<i>Sol Sol Mi Mi Sol, </i><br />
<i>Sol Sol Mi Mi Sol Sol Mi Mi, </i><br />
<i>Mi Mi Re Re Do</i><br />
<i><br /></i>The kids love making suggestions for what could be on the cat's whiskers.<br />
<br />
There is a popular version of this song all over the internet with these lyrics:<br />
<br />
<b>Naughty Pussycat</b><br />
<b>You are very fat</b><br />
<b>You have (butter, ice cream etc...) on your whiskers</b><br />
<b>Naughty Pussycat</b><br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
... but I don't like calling anything fat, so I changed the lyrics<br />
<br />
In past years I used a version of the song that went like this:<br />
<br />
<b>Naughty Pussycat</b><br />
<b>Go and catch a rat!</b><br />
<b>You have cobwebs on your whiskers</b><br />
<b>Naughty Pussycat - SCAT!</b>Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-21113836324443634992015-09-18T15:50:00.001-07:002015-09-18T15:50:36.478-07:00Standing Movement Songs: Dingle Dangle Scarecrow, Kye Kye Kule, and My Dog RagsHere are three favorite songs with great movement opportunities. You can find SO many versions of the melodies and movements on the internet! I am listing some youtube versions as well as recordings I recommend.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Dingle Dangle Scarecrow
</h4>
<span style="color: #0000ee; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Here's a cute video!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0000ee; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><span style="color: #0000ee; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"></span>
When all the cows were sleeping <i>(pretend to sleep)</i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Music/v4/0f/1e/54/0f1e54cc-dd6c-ac0a-1547-3841cbccea80/cover170x170.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://a5.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Music/v4/0f/1e/54/0f1e54cc-dd6c-ac0a-1547-3841cbccea80/cover170x170.jpeg" height="200" title="Dingle Dangle Scarecrow Kathy Reid Naiman" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tickles-and-tunes/id349196554" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Dingle Dangle Scarecrow</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tickles-and-tunes/id349196554" target="_blank">Kathy Reid Naiman</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tickles-and-tunes/id349196554" target="_blank">On Itunes</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Lovely Acoustic Performance</span></td></tr>
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And the sun had gone to bed<br />
Up jumped the scarecrow <i>(jump up)</i><br />
And this is what he said!<br />
<br />
CHORUS<br />
I'm a dingle, dangle scarecrow <i>(arms & legs wiggle)</i><br />
With a flippy floppy hat <i>(head from side to side)</i><br />
I can shake my hands like this<br />
I can shake my feet like that.<br />
<br />
When all the hens were roosting<br />
And the moon behind the cloud<br />
Up jumped the scarecrow<br />
And shouted very loud.<br />
(Chorus)<br />
<br />
When all the pigs were snoring<br />
And the stars were shining bright<br />
Up jumped the scarecrow<br />
And shouted with delight<br />
(Chorus)<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Kye Kye Kule </h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.cdbaby.name/m/o/mommyamericanallc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://images.cdbaby.name/m/o/mommyamericanallc.jpg" height="200" title="Kye Kye Kule MommyAmericana LLC" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mommyamericanallc" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">This recording of<br />Kye Kye Kule <br />byMommyAmericana LLC<br />has slightly different lyrics, <br />but it is easy for young children.</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This song from Ghana is widely used in grade school curriculum.<br />
It's very similar to "Head and Shoulders", but with a fun call and response format and rhythm.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvqlF4_fpss" target="_blank"><b>I LOVE the presentation and energy in this video.</b></a><br />
<br />
Kye Kye Kule <i> hands on head</i><br />
<br />
Kye ko-finsa <i> shoulders</i><br />
<br />
Kofi sa langa <i> waist</i><br />
<br />
Kaka shi langa <i>knees</i><br />
<br />
Kum adende <i> ankles</i><br />
<br />
Kum adende hey! <i>Touch ankles and jump up!</i><br />
<br />
<h4>
My Dog Rags</h4>
There are so many ways to interpret the motions for this song, and there are many melodies.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lynnkleiner6" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://images.cdbaby.name/l/y/lynnkleiner6.jpg" title="My Dog Rags Lynn Kleiner" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lynnkleiner6" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">My Dog Rags <br />With Instrumental Version<br />To use as accompaniment!<br />Lynn Kleiner<br />Same as heard in the video clip.</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0cPIV_IZJQ" target="_blank"><b>I especially like the motions in this video.</b></a><br />
<br />
I have a dog.<br />
His name is Rags.<br />
He eats so much that his tummy sags, <i>(hands show big tummy)</i><br />
His ears flip flop <i>(wave hands by ears)</i><br />
and his tail wig wags. <i>(either swing hips or hands wig wag)</i><br />
And when he walks, he goes zig zag. <i>(whole body zig zags like a skiing motion OR cross arms like in video)</i><br />
<br />
He goes flip flop, wig wag, zig zag.<br />
He goes flip flop, wig wag, zig zag.<br />
He goes flip flop, wig wag, zig zag.<br />
I love Rags and he loves me.<br />
<br />
My dog Rags, he loves to play.<br />
He rolls around in the mud all day. <i>(roll hands)</i><br />
I whistle. (<i>whistle)</i><br />
He won't obey. <i>(shake finger)</i><br />
He always runs the other way. <i>(throw thumb over shoulder)</i><br />
<br />
He goes flip flop, wig wag, zig zag.<br />
He goes flip flop, wig wag, zig zag.<br />
He goes flip flop, wig wag, zig zag.<br />
I love Rags and he loves me.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-11248860296395194212015-08-22T09:49:00.001-07:002015-08-22T09:58:55.517-07:00Drums for a Pirate Band and The Silly Pirate Song <b><span style="font-size: large;">Pirate Drums </span></b><br />
<br />
I was inspired by <a href="http://kids-and-music.blogspot.com/2015/03/drumming-drumming-drumming.html" target="_blank"><b>Miss Marilee's Music post on Drumming</b></a>, especially the gorgeous drums she made out of recycled buckets. I found some wonderful buckets with rope handles at the dollar store that had a good sound quality.<br />
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</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoPWBnziYck/Vdig0na2kUI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/XylKbYsoO7k/s1600/drums.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoPWBnziYck/Vdig0na2kUI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/XylKbYsoO7k/s200/drums.png" title="Drums for preschool, Silly Pirate Songs for Young Children, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog" width="114" /></a><br />
One important thing about these bucket drums was that they had smooth bottoms, so they had a good surface for hand drumming. Inspect them all though -- some had a sharp point that needed filing down.<br />
<br />
After warming up with <b><a href="http://sunshinepres.blogspot.com/2012/11/native-american-music-and-what-to-do.html" target="_blank">"My Favorite Drum"</a>,</b> we used our <b><a href="http://sunshinepres.blogspot.com/2015/03/reading-red-rhythms-and-purple-too.html" target="_blank">"Red" and "Purple" rhythms</a>.</b><br />
I started the kids by chanting:<br />
<b>Red, Red, Red, Red </b><br />
and we kept that steady beat. While they kept playing, I played a simple tune on the piano that had a heavy 4/4 quarter note rhythm.<br />
<br />
Then I switched them to<br />
<b>Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple</b><br />
And kept a steady 4/4 eighth note accompaniment using strong repeated open fifths in the left hand, a simple melody in the right hand.<br />
<br />
One little boy got so excited he jumped up when it was over and begged to do it all again. <i>"It was so beautiful, when we were playing the drums and you were playing the piano; I almost cried!"</i><br />
<br />
For our Pirate Program I played (on the piano) 16 measures of "The Legend of the Croc" from Peter Pan for the quarter note rhythm, and "What do you do with a Drunken Sailor" (I called it a Silly Sailor) for the eighth note rhythm.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping to use drums for every new theme Teacher Teri comes up with!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Silly Pirate Song</b></span> by Jack Hartmann<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nGqp937KNA/Vdimv4BjU5I/AAAAAAAAJ78/wYESCiWDzqs/s1600/pirate.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nGqp937KNA/Vdimv4BjU5I/AAAAAAAAJ78/wYESCiWDzqs/s1600/pirate.png" title="Drums for preschool, Silly Pirate Songs for Young Children, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog" /></a></div>
<br />
Much like the popular camp song "Once an Austrian Went Yodeling", the pirate is interrupted by a surfer, then a shark, then a helicopter, and on it goes.<br />
<br />
This song was very exciting for the kids, and they wanted to learn ALL the verses for this sequencing song! That was a bit much for our program, so we just did a few.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/fvG9DK0b2qE" target="_blank"><b>Here is a fun youtube version of the song.</b></a> Plenty of good motion ideas.<br />
<br />
You can also find youtube performances by preschool and kindergarten classes if you need more teaching ideas.<br />
<br />
And also VERY helpful, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCwQFjACahUKEwjpktmw1ZPHAhUKK4gKHTc4CxE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kellyskindergarten.com%2FPowerPoints%2Fdownloads%2FThe%2520Silly%2520Pirate%2520Song.ppt&ei=4-jCVamVEorWoAS38KyIAQ&usg=AFQjCNGoamqHq47MvbqXs4YCnETt93Cmvg&sig2=yj3dAkYbYRDpwYnDqdxn0Q&bvm=bv.99556055,d.cGU" target="_blank"><b>here is a link to powerpoint illustrations</b></a> from Kellyskindergarten.com to use for teaching the song.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">If You're a Pirate and You Know It</span></b><br />
<br />
So easy, just make up verses and sing to the tune "If You're Happy and You Know It".<br />
<br />
Shout "Ahoy!"<br />
Say "Arhhhh!"<br />
Dance a jig<br />
Wave your hook -- swish swish<br />
Raise the sail -- Heave Ho!<br />
Row your boat -- or whatever else you imagine for your pirates<br />
<br />
Need more Pirate ideas? See my <a href="http://sunshinepres.blogspot.com/2015/07/over-sea-sailors-and-pirates-whole-body.html" target="_blank"><b>"Over the Sea"</b></a> post!Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-19151442541936687452015-08-16T08:02:00.001-07:002015-08-16T08:20:51.828-07:00Old Brass Wagon and Move the CircleThese easy dance songs challenge the kids to listen and follow directions. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Old-Brass-Wagon/dp/B0012P8Q1W" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61EUJxxx2wL._SS280.jpg" title="Old Brass Wagon and Move the Circle, Easy Dances for young children" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Old Brass Wagon by Sally's Music Circle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Old Brass</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Wagon </span></b><br />
is an old favorite of course. <br />
<br />
I recommend this recording because it's a wonderful acoustic performance, and the directions are easy for young children to follow.<br />
<br />
To introduce this dance, I walk the children through all the movements first, before playing the recording.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Holding hands, we circle right. At the end of eight counts I call out "Go the other way!" to prepare the kids for the change in direction.</li>
<li>Then we circle left.</li>
<li><i>Interlude</i> (see note)</li>
<li>Jumpin' up and down! </li>
<li>When the caller sings "swing your partner" I just have the kids spin in place, but when we dance this with the Moms I encourage the Moms to swing with their child.</li>
<li><i>Interlude</i> (see note)</li>
<li>Everybody in - this is called three times, so I teach the children by saying "one step in, one step in, LAST step in!" and on the last step we raise our hands. </li>
<li>Everybody out -- also called three times, so I teach them saying "one step back, one step back, LAST step back!</li>
<li>Instrumental end (see notes)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Interlude: The two 8 bar instrumental sections are a good time to come up with your own choreography. I came up with a simple clapping rhythm. </div>
<div>
LAP, LAP (pat your legs two times)</div>
<div>
CLAP, CLAP </div>
<div>
simply repeat this three more times. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some kids will find this tricky, but I encourage them by telling them it doesn't matter if they get off, just keep going, it's all good!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Instrumental end: </div>
<div>
LAP, LAP, CLAP -- YEE HAW!</div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Move-The-Circle/dp/B000QYXY2G" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61Tx9YyySlL._SS280.jpg" title="Old Brass Wagon and Move the Circle, Easy Dance Songs for Young Children" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Move the Circle by Tumble Tots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Move the Circle</span></b><br />
is not a square dance melody, but the motions are almost exactly the same. The caller gives good, clear directions in a tempo that is perfect for young children, using the words<br />
"Stop! --- Listen!"<br />
to help them understand something new is coming up.<br />
Teach this one first, and Old Brass Wagon will be even easier for the kids to learn.<br />
<br />
Here are the simple movements:<br />
<i>Move the circle </i><br />
<i>Stop, go the other way</i><br />
<i>Move the circle</i><br />
<i>Clap your hands</i><br />
<i>Shake your hands</i><br />
<i>Move the circle </i><br />
<i>Stop, go the other way</i><br />
<i>Move the circle</i><br />
<i>Jump!</i><br />
<i>Bend!</i><br />
<i>Walk to the center with hands up high</i><br />
<i>Walk back out with hands down low</i><br />
<i>Take a bow</i></div>
Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-43456886201944636392015-07-18T16:42:00.000-07:002015-07-18T16:42:16.014-07:00Skip to My Lou as a Welcome Song and Story TimeI learned this from another music teacher, and it's always been a favorite. If you want to add a manners lesson to this song, teach them how to shake hands.<br />
<br />
If a child does not know how to skip, I encourage them that it's OK to just run and hop. They will figure something out.<br />
<br />
I also found a cute picture book that tells a story using the melody & chorus. Very engaging!<br />
<br />
<i>Extend your hand to a child, singing to the verse tune:</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBpyUyqUXrk/Varf5W_iQ_I/AAAAAAAAJKs/KR8HyBThErA/s1600/skip.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBpyUyqUXrk/Varf5W_iQ_I/AAAAAAAAJKs/KR8HyBThErA/s1600/skip.png" title="Skip to My Lou as a Welcome Song and Storytime, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog" /></a></i></div>
<b>"Good Morning Taylor, how are you?" </b><br />
<i>Grasp their hand in greeting and help them rise to standing.</i><br />
<i>Go to the next child and repeat the actions</i><br />
<b>"Good Morning Jesse, how are you?"</b><br />
<i>And a third child...</i><br />
<b>"Good Morning Casey, how are you?" </b><br />
<b>"Skip to my Lou my Darlin' "</b><br />
<i>Now the three children you have helped stand up follow you skipping outside the circle as you sing the chorus:</i><br />
<b>"Lou, Lou, skip to my Lou,</b><br />
<b>"Lou, Lou, skip to my Lou,</b><br />
<b>"Lou, Lou, skip to my Lou,</b><br />
<b>Skip to my Lou my Darlin' "</b><br />
<br />
<i>Those three sit back down. Repeat for the next three children. If there are two kids at the last turn that works just fine, but if there is only going to be one I end with a group of four.</i><br />
<br />
<i>When everyone has had a turn, I sing:</i><br />
<b>"Good Morning Sunshine, how are you?</b><br />
<b>Everybody stand up with me too,</b><br />
<b>Let's ALL skip around the room!</b><br />
<b>Skip to my Lou my Darlin' "</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>We all skip to the chorus, and I finish by singing</i><br />
<b>"Everybody can sit back down"</b><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skip-to-My-Lou/dp/0590980505/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1437250856" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/312phzJua7L._BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" /></a><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And for storytime ~</b></span></h4>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Skip to My Lou</b></span> by Nadine Bernard Westcott, a Scholastic book, available through book sellers online.<br />
<br />
The kids love the crazy pictures as the animals come in the house and make a big mess! Hurry quick! Mom and Dad are coming home! Skip to my Lou my Darlin'. You can sing the whole book, as it follows the song structure.Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-2599287921453129552015-07-15T15:33:00.000-07:002015-07-15T15:35:35.720-07:00Over the Sea, Sailors and Pirates -- Whole Body Movement"Going Over the Sea" and "Over the Deep Blue Sea" have different melodies, but the lyrics are nearly identical. I liked them both so much that we did one the first half of the year, and learned the next one for our Pirate Party in May.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zd1jkP6bS4/VabYBsgi1JI/AAAAAAAAJGs/P39BYmECMyM/s1600/over%2Bthe%2Bsea.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="171" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zd1jkP6bS4/VabYBsgi1JI/AAAAAAAAJGs/P39BYmECMyM/s200/over%2Bthe%2Bsea.png" title="Over the Sea, Sailors and Pirates, Whole Body Movement Preschool Music, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog" width="200" /></a></div>
The kids loved both of them.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Going Over the Sea</b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L3_SJN0KHw" target="_blank">Here is a link to a youtube video of this recording by Goin' Monkey.</a><br />
<br />
There are many recordings of this on Itunes, but I chose this one because it has a gentle tempo, it's a playful acoustic performance and the brief interludes between verses allow time to remind the kids what number comes next. Just perfect!<br />
<br />
We started with just a few numbers and gradually worked our way up to seven. This was enough for us.<br />
<br />
Here are the motions we chose for this song:<br />
<br />
<i>Start each verse with the correct number of fingers</i><br />
<br />
<b>When I was one, I ate a bun, </b><i>(act out)</i><br />
<b>Going over the sea. </b><i>(one arm moves up and down like waves)</i><br />
<b>I jumped aboard a sailorman's ship, </b><i>(jump)</i><br />
<b>And the sailorman said to me,</b><i> </i><br />
<i>(bend knees like a bowlegged sailor, thumbs up by waist, elbows out, arms swinging side to side)</i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Chorus</b><br />
<b>"Going over, going under, </b><i>(arms reach up, arms reach down)</i><br />
<b>stand at attention, like a soldier, </b><i>(salute at attention) </i><br />
<b>With a one, two, three." </b><i>(</i><i>still at attention, </i><i>stomp three times)</i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Verses 2-10</b><br />
<b>When I was two, I buckled my shoe, going over the sea...</b><br />
<b>When I was three, I banged my knee, going over the sea...</b><br />
<b>When I was four, I shut the door, going over the sea...</b><br />
<b>When I was five, I learned to dive, going over the sea...</b><br />
<b>When I was six, I picked up sticks, going over the sea...</b><br />
<b>When I was seven, I went to heaven, going over the sea...</b><br />
<b>When I was eight, I learned to skate, going over the sea...</b><br />
<b>When I was nine, I climbed a vine, going over the sea...</b><br />
<b>When I was ten, I caught a hen, going over the sea...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwPrR0g65FY/VabeQbHxeYI/AAAAAAAAJHI/-fEqs8UittA/s1600/pirate%2Bship2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="171" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwPrR0g65FY/VabeQbHxeYI/AAAAAAAAJHI/-fEqs8UittA/s200/pirate%2Bship2.png" title="Over the Sea, Sailors and Pirates, Whole Body Movement Preschool Music, Sunshine Preschool Music Blog" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Over the Deep Blue Sea </b>(Pirate Ship)</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_1TTSPGLCY" target="_blank">Here is a link to a youtube video of this song in live performance by Susan Salidor</a><br />
<br />
<br />
This one is a little fast, but very fun.<br />
The motions in the verse are similar, although some of the number rhymes are different.<br />
In the chorus we sing:<br />
<br />
<b>He said "Go this way, that way,</b> <i>(arms stretch out to one side, then the other)</i><br />
<b>Forward, Backward</b> <i>(arms stretch forward, pull backward)</i><br />
<b>And Over the Deep Blue Sea!</b>" <i>(reach high and low like cresting a wave)</i><br />
<br />Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-6079765605358808732015-07-02T07:30:00.001-07:002015-07-02T07:30:46.921-07:00Rain, Rain, Go Away Welcome Song<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVnP9QPuCI0/VZVIkvJgKpI/AAAAAAAAJAA/Y3YtCSy9RtA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVnP9QPuCI0/VZVIkvJgKpI/AAAAAAAAJAA/Y3YtCSy9RtA/s640/2.jpg" title="Rain Rain Go Away Preschool welcome song, using a rainstick and tuned water glasses, circle time name song for children, preschool music blog" width="226" /></a>I have a large (5 foot), beautiful sounding rainstick, a miniature (14") rainstick, and a pair of thick drinking glasses for this welcome song/activity.<br />
<br />
If you don't have a rainstick, the internet is full of DIY craft instructions for recycling paper tubes into rainsticks.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;">INTRODUCE THE RAINSTICK</span></b><br />
<br />
It's so fun to ask the kids what they think it is, what a good name for it might be, what it is made of.<br />
<br />
Then produce the sound, and ask them what it sounds like. You will get many answers. Mostly they will want to start guessing what is inside. Since I don't know what is in mine, it is fun to keep it a mystery.<br />
<br />
Ask them: "Could it be marshmallows?"<br />
They will say "NO!"<br />
"Could it be feathers?" "Why not?"<br />
<br />
They understand so much about acoustical properties already.<br />
<br />
Each child now gets a turn to tip the rainstick. They discover that lifting it slowly produces softer sounds, lifting it quickly makes louder sounds, and some will shake it.<br />
<br />
While they have their turn, we sing:<br />
<br />
<b>Rain, rain, go away</b><br />
<b>Come again another day</b><br />
<b>(Child's Name) wants to play</b><br />
<b>Rain, rain go away</b><br />
<br />
Week one I use the large rainstick, then for another week or two I use the little one which is easier to pass around the circle.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;">INTRODUCE THE WATER GLASSES</span></b><br />
<br />
For the last week of using this welcome song, I bring two thick water glasses or jars from home that I know will give me the first two tones of the song (Sol Mi). Usually I have to tune one or both by adding a little water for the perfect pitch.<br />
<br />
First, I preach a little to them about asking their parents before banging on their glasses at home! I show them mine are very thick and not likely to break.<br />
<br />
Then using a spoon or a triangle beater I demonstrate playing the water glasses to our tune, but I only use the first two lines this time.<br />
<br />
sol mi sol sol mi sol sol mi x sol sol mi<br />
<b>Rain, rain, go a- way Come a- gain</b> a- <b>no- ther day</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Each child then gets a turn playing the water glassses. I help them just a little if they need it. Some get very excited and want to sing the whole song. That's OK too!Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-10716053899036509142015-06-25T09:44:00.000-07:002015-06-25T09:44:31.819-07:00Count to ten with "Once I Caught a Fish Alive"Everyone loves the "Fishy Song"<br />
<div>
This is one of my favorite settling songs for storytime, </div>
<div>
but it is also a great song for counting to ten.<br />
<div>
You can find many melody variations online. Here are my hand motions.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fW0nSIpK2ko/VYwqBo7uexI/AAAAAAAAI8M/-2O9PWvYAmY/s1600/hands%2Bout%2B100.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fW0nSIpK2ko/VYwqBo7uexI/AAAAAAAAI8M/-2O9PWvYAmY/s1600/hands%2Bout%2B100.png" title="1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I caught a fish alive hand motions counting to ten preschool music blog" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I prepare the kids by having them hold their hands out in front, fingers in their palms.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-29mNR-ntdtY/VYwqAmSG55I/AAAAAAAAI7w/XVXKG6mYaoc/s1600/1-5%2B100.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-29mNR-ntdtY/VYwqAmSG55I/AAAAAAAAI7w/XVXKG6mYaoc/s1600/1-5%2B100.png" title="1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I caught a fish alive hand motions counting to ten preschool music blog" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1, 2, 3, 4, 5</b></span></div>
<div>
<i>(count out first five fingers)</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ScQ9BmWdqI/VYwqBYEc3sI/AAAAAAAAI8c/Ud5lfhI9VnE/s1600/caught100.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ScQ9BmWdqI/VYwqBYEc3sI/AAAAAAAAI8c/Ud5lfhI9VnE/s1600/caught100.png" title="1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I caught a fish alive hand motions counting to ten preschool music blog" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Once I caught a fish alive</b></span></div>
<div>
<i>(scoop out to "catch fish" and then wave imaginary catch </i></div>
<div>
<i>between fingers & thumb)</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hIBWEw0N-ZI/VYwqAt_HtsI/AAAAAAAAI8s/c7QYiGSzoK4/s1600/6-10%2B100.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hIBWEw0N-ZI/VYwqAt_HtsI/AAAAAAAAI8s/c7QYiGSzoK4/s1600/6-10%2B100.png" title="1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I caught a fish alive hand motions counting to ten preschool music blog" /></a></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6, 7, 8, 9, 10</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2NDcF_Det4/VYwqBUco9lI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/597au2I4fuE/s1600/go%2Bagain100.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2NDcF_Det4/VYwqBUco9lI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/597au2I4fuE/s1600/go%2Bagain100.png" title="1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I caught a fish alive hand motions counting to ten preschool music blog" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But I let him go again!</b></span></div>
<div>
<i>(Throw both hands out like tossing something, then </i></div>
<div>
<i>vigorously swipe hands in rhythm to "go again")</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Why did you let him go?</span></b></div>
<div>
<i>(Sounding impatient)</i></div>
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<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Because he bit my finger so!</span></b></div>
<div>
<i>(a little crying sound in the voice)</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
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<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Which finger did he bite?</span></b></div>
<div>
<i>(Sounding concerned)</i></div>
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<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The little finger on the right.</span></b></div>
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</div>
</div>
Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-13618667724804338262015-06-08T10:54:00.002-07:002015-06-08T10:59:29.327-07:00The Seven SongThis Old Man took us up to number six, and could have gone all the way to 10, but then I found<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Seven Steps"</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFmRU5eOr90/VXXJb80D_3I/AAAAAAAAIYs/pjgp1LjxP7M/s1600/seven%2Bsong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFmRU5eOr90/VXXJb80D_3I/AAAAAAAAIYs/pjgp1LjxP7M/s320/seven%2Bsong.jpg" title="The Seven Song, teaching numbers in preschool music, Sunshine Preschool Blog" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/pTLtcno5_cY" target="_blank"><b>Here is a link to the video on youtube from "Super Simple Songs"</b></a><br />
<br />
So simple. Maybe that's why the kids LOVED it!<br />
<br />
What I loved about this is we count forward twice, and then we count backwards from seven twice.<br />
<br />
But I don't have magic numbers lighting up over my head as they do in the video, so I made magnet numbers.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhyzX5V8Nd4/VXXJhSLxBII/AAAAAAAAIY0/hKeYf4QVkW0/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhyzX5V8Nd4/VXXJhSLxBII/AAAAAAAAIY0/hKeYf4QVkW0/s320/007.JPG" title="The Seven Song, teaching numbers in preschool music, Sunshine Preschool Blog" width="320" /></a>My magnet board was too small, so in a pinch I used the back of a jelly roll pan. Next year I hope to make a larger magnet board for my letters and numbers songs.<br />
<br />
I point to the numbers as we sing.<br />
<br />
Once we mastered the Seven Song, I added a number 8 -- it works with the tune just fine. We did it like a little mouse squeak just for fun!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwk-Z51p_zc/VXXSjpGVCVI/AAAAAAAAIZE/h3TuMwnUEZU/s1600/eight%2Btaped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwk-Z51p_zc/VXXSjpGVCVI/AAAAAAAAIZE/h3TuMwnUEZU/s320/eight%2Btaped.jpg" title="The Seven Song, teaching numbers in preschool music, Sunshine Preschool Blog" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cut out star taped to yellow paper with packing tape <br />(DIY laminating) <br />Cut this out and glue magnet to back.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-10818669209965608582015-06-01T15:23:00.001-07:002015-06-01T15:27:47.696-07:00My Basic Lesson PlanWhen I first started teaching, I thought I had to make each lesson very different in order to keep the children's attention. Thankfully, I finally realized that children need repetition as well as novelty. After all, the everyday world is still full of mystery to a four year old.<br />
<br />
They are much happier and ready to learn if they know what to expect!<br />
<br />
So here it is, my basic lesson plan for a 35-45 minute class.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sffXyQo12ko/VWzY8GyhhqI/AAAAAAAAIT8/95HOGpUgM4c/s1600/Guitar_Drums.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sffXyQo12ko/VWzY8GyhhqI/AAAAAAAAIT8/95HOGpUgM4c/s1600/Guitar_Drums.png" title="Preschool Music Lesson Plan, Preschool Music Blog" /></a><br />
<b>Welcome Song </b>(sitting)<br />
<br />
<b>Easy Song </b>(Fingerplay)<br />
<br />
<b>Fun Song </b>#1 (Usually a number song)<br />
<br />
<b>Fun Song </b>#2 (Usually a seasonal or theme of the month song)<br />
<br />
<b>Transition </b>to Movement Song (Same every week, goes from sitting to standing)<br />
<br />
<b>Circle Activity Song</b> (Same every week)<br />
<br />
Optional: <b>Standing Song</b> (Song with body movements)<br />
<br />
<b>Action Song or Dance</b> to recording (gets us a little winded — wide range of motion)<br />
<br />
<i>Move to Storytime Position</i> (Quickly as possible, same place every week)<br />
<br />
<b>Storytime Readiness Song</b> (sitting, easy fingerplay to settle in)<br />
<br />
<b>Learning Skills Song</b> (teaching phonics or colors/shapes song)<br />
<br />
<b>Storytime </b>(incorporates a song or sound effects, or uses rhythm, or is about music)<br />
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<b>Transition </b>to Standing Song (Quick!)<br />
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<b>Action Song, Dance or Musical Game</b> (Moving to music, Using imaginations)<br />
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<b>Focused Activity</b> (sitting, maybe playing instruments or a listening game)<br />
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<b>Transition </b>to Standing Song (Quick!)<br />
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<b>Musical Game</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>...and if there is still time left</i><br />
REALLY FUN activity — if needed (always have a few ready to go…..)
Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-35257773365280775622015-03-19T09:52:00.001-07:002015-06-19T06:57:53.901-07:00Reading Red Rhythms! and purple tooThis year's Sunshine class has been very excited about learning to read rhythms.<br />
<br />
Every year this is a favorite activity for many kids. I love seeing their eyes light up as they start to "get it" and fall in love with making new rhythm patterns to clap.<br />
<br />
Here's my simple strategy -- borrowed and modified from where? I'd love it if someone told me where I got this idea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkJPC0uYeTQ/VYQaLsrZAYI/AAAAAAAAI14/GtEdhpKvB54/s1600/one%2Bredth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkJPC0uYeTQ/VYQaLsrZAYI/AAAAAAAAI14/GtEdhpKvB54/s200/one%2Bredth.jpg" title="Red Pur- ple How to Teach Preschool Children to clap quarter and eighth note rhythms" width="129" /></a></div>
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I drew some red quarter notes and double purple eighth notes on 3x5 index cards. My cards are getting so old! It's time to make some new ones.<br />
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First I show the kids a single red quarter note, and ask them what they see. Of course it's red. We also see it has a round part -- a head, and a long line -- a stem.<br />
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I tell them we will call it "red" like its color, and when I point to it, we will all say "<b>RED</b>".<br />
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Then they learn that when I point to the note, we will say "<b>RED</b>" AND <b>clap</b> one time.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Next I line up four red notes. We practice saying the name first: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> RED</b> <b>RED</b> <b>RED </b> <b>RED</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riYGykDH7WI/VYQaM0iEXNI/AAAAAAAAI2Q/xtQEAAVrhyU/s1600/redthumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riYGykDH7WI/VYQaM0iEXNI/AAAAAAAAI2Q/xtQEAAVrhyU/s400/redthumb.jpg" title="Red Pur- ple How to Teach Preschool Children to clap quarter and eighth note rhythms" width="400" /></a>
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<br />
Now clapping hands ready! We <b>clap</b> and say <b>RED</b> for each note.<br />
<i>So GOOD!</i><br />
Ready for something more?<br />
<br />
<br />
I show them the eighth note pair on a single card. What is different?<br />
It is purple. Good! What else? This will take a little time, but we discover it has two heads!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvihCj-GiHI/VYQaLGxo80I/AAAAAAAAI10/HHUc36pI3bs/s1600/one%2Bpurpleth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvihCj-GiHI/VYQaLGxo80I/AAAAAAAAI10/HHUc36pI3bs/s200/one%2Bpurpleth.jpg" title="Red Pur- ple How to Teach Preschool Children to clap quarter and eighth note rhythms" width="132" /></a><i>Would you like to have two heads? </i><br />
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I teach them to say <b>PUR-PLE </b>when I point to the note. I point to each note head.<br />
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We then learn to clap for each note head (syllable), so we clap two times. <b>PUR-PLE</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Now there are four cards of purple notes. We say them first.<br />
Then we clap them.<br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></b>
<b style="text-align: center;"><b> PUR-PLE </b><b>PUR-PLE </b><b>PUR-PLE </b><b>PUR-PLE</b></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUHNgP8kFbk/VYQaLb53fuI/AAAAAAAAI18/5efCBEQygPg/s1600/purplerowth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUHNgP8kFbk/VYQaLb53fuI/AAAAAAAAI18/5efCBEQygPg/s400/purplerowth.jpg" title="Red Pur- ple How to Teach Preschool Children to clap quarter and eighth note rhythms" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><br /></b>Ready for something more?<br />
<br />
I line up the four red cards, and under them the four purple cards. We say them first, going left to right, top line to bottom line. (Reading readiness)<br />
<br />
Now, clapping hands ready! We say and clap both lines.<br />
<br />
<b> RED</b> <b>RED</b> <b>RED </b> <b>RED</b><br />
<b> PUR-PLE </b><b>PUR-PLE </b><b>PUR-PLE </b><b>PUR-PLE</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJKAMzEiAtA/VYQaMWSRLJI/AAAAAAAAI2M/bmDVdvp9_YE/s1600/red%2Bpurpleth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="323" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJKAMzEiAtA/VYQaMWSRLJI/AAAAAAAAI2M/bmDVdvp9_YE/s400/red%2Bpurpleth.jpg" title="Red Pur- ple How to Teach Preschool Children to clap quarter and eighth note rhythms" width="400" /></a><br />
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Ready for something more? (<i>Yes, they are!</i>)<br />
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Rearrange the cards to create a very simple mixed rhythm. Say it first, Then clap and say.<br />
<br />
<b> RED</b> <b>RED </b><b>PUR-PLE </b><b>PUR-PLE </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJLBeVSHmFo/VYQaMpBhw-I/AAAAAAAAI2U/dbeIFmg2DeQ/s1600/redred%2Bpurple%2Bpurpleth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJLBeVSHmFo/VYQaMpBhw-I/AAAAAAAAI2U/dbeIFmg2DeQ/s400/redred%2Bpurple%2Bpurpleth.jpg" width="400" /></a><b><br /></b>
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I try not to go too long with this activity at any one time, because one or two children may not ready for this, and they get very frustrated or bored. The ones who understand will get enthusiastic and want to grab the cards to start creating patterns. Next time! They are so full of great ideas.<br />
<br />
<i>Transition: </i><br />
Now stand up and stomp our last rhythm!<br />
<b>RED</b> <b>RED </b><b>PUR-PLE </b><b>PUR-PLE </b><br />
<b>RED </b> <b>RED </b><b>PUR-PLE </b><b>PUR-PLE</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Follow up:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Lately I have been inserting our rhythm cards briefly before storytime. I "warm up" the kids by doing our 4 reds & 4 purples, and then choose one child to create a mixed pattern. I'm keeping track, so everyone will eventually have a turn. We always say it first, then clap it together.Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-52550498216443739292015-02-03T18:04:00.001-08:002015-02-03T18:06:26.853-08:00Our Favorite Dad's Night Song "I'm Gonna Wrap Myself in Paper"...<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mail Myself to You</span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfbfqk-p3A4/VNF8FpSrXfI/AAAAAAAAGhI/5kdkiWcvHfo/s1600/hearts-37308_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfbfqk-p3A4/VNF8FpSrXfI/AAAAAAAAGhI/5kdkiWcvHfo/s1600/hearts-37308_640.png" height="207" width="320" /></a>This is just the best Dad's Night song I have ever found. Thanks Woody Guthrie!<br />
<br />
Partly because it's just SO FUN.<br />
<br />
And also because just before Dad's Night the kids make valentines and visit the post office, so it just works.<br />
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I will share our hand motions. <a href="http://woodyguthrie.org/Lyrics/Mail_Myself_To_You.htm" target="_blank">Here is a link to the lyrics.</a><br />
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Chorus:<br />
"wrap" swing alternating hands across body "wrapping" ourselves up.<br />
"daub with glue" one hand "daubs" shoulders, side to side<br />
"stamps on my head" one hand, palm up, sweeps up and plants palm down on head.<br />
"to you" big motion whole arm, point finger to someone<br />
<br />
Verse 2 (I skip verse 1, but it's good too)<br />
"mailbox" shade eyes to look in mailbox<br />
"Cut" fingers make scissors motion "let me out" hands move apart, fingers extended<br />
"Wash" rub fingers in washing motion<br />
"bubble gum" point to open mouth<br />
<br />
Repeat Chorus:<br />
<br />
Verse 3<br />
"Take me out" jump, moving hands away from body<br />
<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/russmusic4" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://images.cdbaby.name/r/u/russmusic4.jpg" /></a>"Wash" Rub top of head<br />
"Pour" tip head back, pour motion with hand<br />
"bed" sleep hands under head<br />
<br />
This year we have had a lot of kids out with colds and other bugs, so I have asked Teacher Teri to play a recording of the song during the week to help the kids learn it in time. I found a very nice version on Itunes by "Russ"; it is not too fast, and it's in a good key.<br />
<br />
Here is a link to it on CD Baby.<br />
<br />
Note to Sunshine Parents: If you buy this song, I do not use the first verse in school -- I only use verses 2 and 3. They are all fun to sing, I just like to keep things simple.Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-67316274958795346202015-01-19T11:18:00.001-08:002015-02-28T07:28:58.994-08:00Hickory Dickory Dock 1-2-3-4Make a clock pendulum by clasping your hands together, arms extended out in front, and swing them from side to side.<br />
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<b>"TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK"</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LK7epH_ceQ/VL1W49hbHqI/AAAAAAAAGec/4uRhCKmO6VA/s1600/da5id1-Mouse.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LK7epH_ceQ/VL1W49hbHqI/AAAAAAAAGec/4uRhCKmO6VA/s1600/da5id1-Mouse.png" height="200" width="198" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<br />
get everyone in rhythm, keep the arms going<br />
<br />
and then sing...<br />
<br />
<b>Hickory Dickory Dock</b><br />
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<b>The mouse ran up the clock</b> <i>(fingers run up from waist to the top of your head)</i><br />
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<b>The clock struck ONE!</b> <i>(hold up one finger) </i><br />
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<b>DONG!</b><br />
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<b>The mouse ran down</b> <i>(fingers run down)</i><br />
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<b>Hickory Dickory Dock TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK</b> <i>(back to pendulum)</i><br />
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other verses:<br />
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<b>The clock struck TWO</b><br />
<b>The mouse said BOO!</b><br />
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<b>The clock struck THREE</b><br />
<b>The mouse said WHEE!</b><br />
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<b>The clock struck FOUR</b><br />
<b>The mousie snored.</b><br />
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Make sure the clock chimes the correct number of times for each verse.<br />
<br />
Here is a nice melody for this nursery rhyme; the lyrics are different, but also fun!<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGgsklW-mtg" target="_blank">Hickory Dickory Dock | Super Simple Songs</a><br />
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I added a verse each week as I introduced the next number. By the time we got to number five, it was time to start the <a href="http://sunshinepres.blogspot.com/2012/10/favorite-october-music-part-three-knock.html" target="_blank">Halloween "Knock Knock"</a> fingerplay.Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-38635185027979894462015-01-17T23:13:00.000-08:002015-06-02T06:03:48.052-07:00Introducing NumbersEvery year I pledge I'm going to get organized about teaching number songs.<br />
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This year it's finally coming together!<br />
<br />
After our initial welcome song and fingerplay, I have added a brief number activity. It consists of introducing a number, counting out that number on our fingers, sometimes more than one way, and then following up with a number song. The kids have really enjoyed this activity.<br />
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For example, here is the page for number 6. After we practiced number six, we sang "This Old Man" up to number six. In the next post I'll describe another fun number song.<br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 200.0pt; line-height: 115%;">6<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hold
up 6 fingers <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1-2-3-4-5-6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now
hold up three fingers on each hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1-2-3-4-5-6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Clap
six times<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1-2-3-4-5-6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pat
six times<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1-2-3-4-5-6</span></div>
Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-58305625856449422602015-01-11T22:44:00.003-08:002015-01-11T22:44:59.715-08:00Are You Sleeping? Triangle Welcome SongI hold a triangle in my hand and ask the kids what it is. Of course it's a triangle! They are so smart.<div>
<br /></div>
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Then I ask them how to play it. They have good ideas. I produce the beater and make some sounds, and they all agree this is correct.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then I ask them what would happen if I hold it this way? I grasp it in my hand instead of by the string. They have theories. I play it now, and they are amazed at the difference in the sound. </div>
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Now I ask the child on my right to pretend to sleep while I sing the folksong, but use the child's name instead of "Brother John":</div>
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<i><b>Are you sleeping, are you sleeping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPLyE3wDXqw/VLNsXYVolvI/AAAAAAAAGbY/Aq0v7Gc3M70/s1600/Chambers_1908_Triangle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPLyE3wDXqw/VLNsXYVolvI/AAAAAAAAGbY/Aq0v7Gc3M70/s1600/Chambers_1908_Triangle.png" /></a></div>
</b></i></div>
<div>
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div>
<i><b>(Child's Name --- </b></i><i><b>Child's Name</b></i><i><b>)</b></i></div>
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Then I play the triangle gently as I sing</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><b>Morning bells are ringing, morning bells are ringing</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Ding Ding Dong! Ding Ding Dong!</b></i></div>
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They almost always know to wake up when the triangle rings, but sometimes I need to instruct this. They soon get the idea.</div>
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Now I pass the triangle to the child who pretended to be asleep, and the child to the right of him/her "goes to sleep". I try to make sure the child does not ring the triangle until "Morning Bells are Ringing". </div>
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Everyone gets a turn at being the sleeper and the ringer. </div>
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The last child to get the triangle gets to wake up the whole class. </div>
Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-6210466043255691042015-01-05T16:45:00.000-08:002015-01-05T16:45:24.178-08:00A Mouse GameThis one is always a favorite.<br />
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The children sit in a circle with some space between them.<br />
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One child (mouse) goes in the middle.<br />
Sing the first verse to the tune of "Skip to My Lou".<br />
The child in the middle crawls around "eating" cheese out of the outstretched hands of the other children. They love this.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YIkx3bj23Kg/VKsvEDGPVcI/AAAAAAAAGP4/bqo_etpfz4k/s1600/rat-152162_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YIkx3bj23Kg/VKsvEDGPVcI/AAAAAAAAGP4/bqo_etpfz4k/s1600/rat-152162_640.png" height="199" title="mouse game preshcool" width="200" /></a><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mouse in a hole looking for cheese. </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mouse in a hole looking for cheese. </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mouse in a hole looking for cheese. </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Watching for the tom cat. </span></b></i><br />
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Now choose a child to be the cat.<br />
Both children stand up and the mouse trots around the outside of the circle.<br />
The cat follows behind, but for safety's sake I can't allow anyone to get tagged. (Our floor is a bit hard)<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cat after mouse, in and out. </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cat after mouse, in and out, </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cat after mouse, in and out. </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mouse runs in the mouse hole.</span></b></i><br />
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At the last line, the mouse runs between two of the seated children and sits back down. Now the "cat" can take the center and have a turn as a mouse. Everyone gets a turn to be the mouse and the cat.<br />
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I would like to give credit to the source, but can't remember where I found this little game.<br />
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<br />Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6381608806554096777.post-49299727683612388672014-12-01T11:20:00.000-08:002015-02-28T07:25:57.541-08:00Christmas Songs 2014<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas 2014</span><br />
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Merry Christmas to all the wonderful Sunshine Parents and kids!<br />
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Here is the list of some of the songs we are working on this year in anticipation of the annual Christmas Party. I don't like to start teaching Christmas songs too early, so that means I welcome your help.<br />
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Especially Rudolph!! That song has soooo many words.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Peppermint Stick</span> </b>(tune: 99 bottles of pop on the wall)<br />
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Oh I took a lick of my peppermint stick <i>(hold hand in front of face) </i><br />
And was it ever yummy. <i>(Rub stomach)</i><br />
It used to be on my Christmas tree. <i>(crook finger & hold up over head) </i><br />
But now it's in my tummy! <i>(pat tummy)</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Up On the Housetop</span></b><br />
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Up on the housetop the reindeer pause,<i> (arms overhead to make housetop)</i><br />
Out jumps good old Santa Claus; <i>(jump and open arms to sides)</i><br />
Down through the chimney with lots of toys, <i>(raise hands overhead & slide them down)</i><br />
All for the little ones' Christmas joys<br />
Ho Ho Ho! <i>(hold hands in front for Santa's belly) </i><br />
Who wouldn't go! <i>(hands up)</i><br />
Ho Ho Ho! Who wouldn't go! <i>(same motions)</i><br />
Up on the housetop, click click click, <i>(clap over head)</i><br />
Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ring the Bells</span></b> (tune: Row, row your boat)<br />
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Ring, ring the bells, Ring them loud and clear<br />
Tell the people everywhere That Christmas time is near<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jingle Bells</b></span><br />
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We need help with the verse!<br />
<a href="http://www.clipartbest.com/cliparts/niX/GoL/niXGoLGiB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Activity Idea Place" border="0" src="http://www.clipartbest.com/cliparts/niX/GoL/niXGoLGiB.jpeg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
Dashing through the snow,<br />
In a one horse open sleigh<br />
Over the fields we go<br />
Laughing all the way.<br />
bells on bob tail ring<br />
making spirits bright<br />
What fun it is to ride and sing<br />
A sleighing song tonight.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Little Green Tree </span></b> (Tune: I'm a Little Teapot)<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/Cwt-WK17k3w" target="_blank">Here is one youtube video of this cute song. </a><br />
(our motions are just a bit different)<br />
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I'm a little green tree by the house. <i>(Arms out by sides in /\ shape like a tree)</i><br />
Here is my trunk, <i>(Hands to sides)</i><br />
here are my boughs. <i>(Arms out wide)</i><br />
Decorate me now with lights so fine, <i>(Flash fingers like video)</i><br />
Then plug them in and watch me shine! <i>(Move open hands around "glowing")</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer</b></span><br />
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Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer <i>("antlers" hands by ears)</i><br />
<a href="http://www.clipartbest.com/cliparts/RTA/an6/RTAan6zTL.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.clipartbest.com/cliparts/RTA/an6/RTAan6zTL.png" height="200" width="141" /></a>Had a very shiny nose. <i>("flashing" fingers by nose)</i><br />
And if you ever saw him, <i>(One hand shading eyes "looking")</i><br />
You would even say it glows. <i>("flashing" fingers by nose)</i><br />
All of the other reindeer <i>("antlers" hands by ears)</i><br />
Used to laugh and call him names. <i>(cover mouth & point)</i><br />
They never let poor Rudolph <i>(shake head)</i> Join in any reindeer games.<br />
Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say: <i>(Make Santa Belly)</i><br />
“Rudolph with your nose so bright, Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” <i>(hands holding reins)</i><br />
Then all the reindeer loved him <i>(Put your hands over your heart)</i><br />
As they shouted out with glee,(YIPPEE!)<br />
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, <i>("antlers" hands by ears) </i>You’ll go down in history!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">S-A-N-T-A</span></b> (Tune: BINGO)<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/mGAYzlqj-aE" target="_blank">teaching video on youtube from "Super Simple Songs"</a><br />
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Red hat, <i>(Point to head)</i><br />
white beard, <i>(Touch chin)</i><br />
twinkle in his eye. <i>(Point to eye)</i><br />
Santa is his name-o.<br />
S-A-N-T-A S-A-N-T-A S-A-N-T-A And Santa is his name-o.<br />
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Kathy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293544577257165923noreply@blogger.com0