Slow and In Control
My students are movers and shakers, in every sense of the phrase. Walk into any classroom and you’ll see that for yourself, trust me! While this can definitely be a positive thing when it comes time to do some sort of physical activity, it can also be a distraction during structured physical tasks (like carrying a big stack of books!) and other non-physical activities in either a closed or public environment.
I think every child needs a reminder to be “slow and in control” every once in a while, which is why I was so glad when I received a custom-written song request using that very phrase. The actions that I list in the verses are very general and apply to everyday life at home and school, but feel free to replace them with actions that are specific to your student or child.
In most everything you do,
Take a breath and think it through,
Be slow and in control.
Rushing and hurrying is for the birds,
So remember these four little words,
Slow and in control.
When you’re drawing a picture,
Be slow and in control.
When you’re cutting with scissors,
Be slow and in control.
When you’re carrying something,
Be slow and in control.
When you’re pouring a drink,
Be slow and in control.
When you’re out in public,
Be slow and in control.
When you’re with your friends,
Be slow and in control.
When you’re doing your work,
Be slow and in control.
When you’re cleaning up,
Be slow and in control.
I’m already thinking up different ways to use this song: it could be sung before a task as a way to prepare the child, or even during it, turning the verses into a “slow and controlled” step-by-step guide. How might you use this song, and what actions would you add with your little ones in mind?
