With all of the allergens floating through the air and the bipolar weather we’ve been experiencing here in Illinois, I’ve heard a lot of “achoo-ing” going on lately.
So much of it, in fact, that it inspired my latest song. You know how much my students and I love a song that starts out slow and speeds up as it goes along (as evidenced here and here) and that is exactly what my newest song does, too:
When you feel a little tickle in your nose,
Then you know how the next part goes:
You shut your eyes tight,
Cover your face just right,
And then you have to sneeze!
Achoo, achoo!
Excuse me, and bless you!
Achoo, achoo!
I sneezed, and you did, too!
{Repeat, speeding up each time}
Even some of my not-so-verbal students are saying “achoo!” right along with me, and it’s so much fun to hear them keep up with me as the song speeds up. I’ve been having them play egg shakers and chiquitas, since the “ch” sound they make fits perfectly.
Oh, and speaking of songs about sneezing, please check out the song “Spring Fever” by Mr. Heath. It’s a staple at our annual spring singalongs. Do you know any other tunes that celebrate the joy (ha!) of spring allergies?
Haha I like your “not-so-verbal” description. I’ve tried to cut the phrase “non-verbal” out of my vocabulary because I’ve found that the minute I use it, my “non-verbal” client is saying “no!” or “all done.” :) Also, I plant to do this song next month with my group of toddlers at the developmental center I work at… they do a recorded song with the staff when they lead “music time,” and love to put their hand in their elbow and fake sneeze, so I’m sure they’ll love this. Thanks! By the way, I am currently using “Color Me Happy” with the colored maracas and “Ugga Bugga Boo” for movement and they LOVE IT. The therapists wanted to know if I wrote “Ugga Bugga Boo” and I of course told them that no, you had. They’re comment? “Cause I was going to be impressed if you did!” Ha, I better get writing! I added “pat your knees” to the song, because I typically do at least 4 movements when working with that group. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the great ideas!
Thanks, Jessica :) I completely agree about eliminating “non-verbal” from my vocab. I’m so pumped that your students and staff like my songs – thanks for using them and for the nice feedback! Let me know how the sneezy song goes.