Boys and Girls: We’re All Equal

by | Listen & Learn Music

Did you know that March is Women’s History Month? Well I didn’t, until a teacher brought it to my attention at the end of February. I did a little research, and discovered that Women’s History Month traces its roots back to the first International Women’s Day, which was celebrated in 1911. In 1981, Congress passed a resolution making Women’s History Week a national holiday.

So that is the background for today’s tune, “Boys and Girls”. I wanted to write a song that conveyed the general message of Women’s History Month yet could still be understood by my students. “Boys and Girls” teaches that we all have equal rights, and that we can do many of the same things.

If you’re a boy, or you’re a girl,
Then you should know that we’re all equal.
There are certain things about us that are different, it’s true,
But our rights are the same, for both me and you.

Girls can wear pants, boys can too.
Boys can wear hats, girls can too.
Girls can wear sandals, boys can too.
Boys can wear sneakers, girls can too.
There are certain things about us that are different, it’s true,
But our rights are the same, both me and you.

Girls can be teachers, boys can too.
Boys can be pilots, girls can too.
Girls can be doctors, boys can too.
Boys can be nurses, girls can too.
There are certain things about us that are different, it’s true,
But our rights are the same, both me and you.

Girls can go to school, boys can too.
Boys can go to work, girls can too.
Girls can cast a vote, boys can too.
Boys can cook dinner, girls can too.
There are certain things about us that are different, it’s true,
But our rights are the same, both me and you.

If you’re a boy, or you’re a girl,
Then you should know that we’re all equal.
There are certain things about us that are different, it’s true,
But our rights are the same, for both me and you.

Maybe next year I’ll write a song that goes a little bit more in depth with this topic. Another song to check out is Sufferin’ Til Suffrage (a School House Rock favorite). Enjoy, and happy Women’s History Month!

Be Still, My Heart

by | Uncategorized

If my heart was filled with one more ounce of pride this morning, it would have burst all over the Senior 1 classroom. I know, I know, not a good image…but it’s true! The warm weather must have gotten to everyone in that room, including me, because the overall mood during music therapy was positively giddy. And that translated into an amazing session during which the staff and students enthusiastically participated in each activity, singing so loud I could barely hear myself (quite a feat).

I really do have the best job in the world. I get paid to write songs for my students, work with them each week, and cheer them on as they reach their goals. While I appreciate this every day, it really hit home this morning when I looked around and saw an entire classroom, adults and students alike, 100% engaged and having a great time.

Life is good.

What Else Do I Need?

by | Listen & Learn Music

If you live in the midwest, you are no stranger to the fact that the weather can fluctuate radically on a daily basis. We started the week in the 30s, and today and tomorrow we’re expecting 60-degree temperatures. I’m definitely not complaining about the warm-up, but sometimes it’s a little difficult to keep up!

Today I headed out the door with a light jacket on over my sweater, but I’m waiting for the day when I’ll need sunscreen and sunglasses, just like the song says.

It’s sunny, it’s sunny,
What else do I need?
Sunscreen and some sunglasses too,
That is what I need.

It’s chilly, it’s chilly,
What else do I need?
Mittens and a jacket too,
That is what I need.

It’s raining, it’s raining,
What else do I need?
Umbrella, rain boots, and slicker too,
That is what I need.

It’s freezing, it’s freezing,
What else do I need?
A winter coat, scarf, hat, and gloves,
That is what I need.

Oh, and if you are wondering, the official countdown to spring is at 15 days. And coincidentally, the first day of spring is also moving day for me! This weekend is daylight savings time, meaning we’ll lose an hour of sleep on Saturday night/Sunday morning. But hey, I will gladly lose that hour if it means more light at night. A sure sign that spring is in the air…hey, I feel a song coming on :)

My Address

by | Listen & Learn Music

If you’ve been reading my blog for the last month or so, then you already know that I am moving soon. I’ve had to tell people or write down my new address several times this week, and I keep mixing it up with my current address or just forgetting it altogether. I am not a forgetful person, but when something like your address is ingrained in your brain, it’s hard to relearn that! But I’m trying. In fact, this is what inspired me to write the song below, which is all about addresses.

There’s a number, and a street, and a city, and a state,
And a zipcode, I give,
When my family or friends or a teacher needs to know
The place where I live.
You put ’em all together and what do you get?
My address, I won’t forget.

My street number is ________
My street name is __________
My city is _________________
In the state of ____________
My zipcode has five numbers, it’s ____________
You put ’em all together, and what do you get?
My address, I won’t forget.

There’s a number, and a street, and a city, and a state,
And a zipcode, I give,
When my family or friends or a teacher needs to know
The place where I live.
You put ’em all together and what do you get?
My address, I won’t forget.

Or at least, I’ll try not to anymore! A week from tomorrow, we’ll be signing the papers that make the house officially ours, and by then I think I will have my new address down pat. In the meantime, I have a busy day ahead full of classes and planning. Have a happy Wednesday!

The People I See

by | Listen & Learn Music

Meeting new people can be difficult, whether you are a young child or a full-fledged adult. I’ve been a shy person all my life, so I still struggle with this at times. But for a child with a disability, especially autism, a new person can be very overwhelming and even a little scary.

Today’s song introduces a few of the people who are important in a child’s life, and explains a little about what each person does. I made sure to include individuals who can be intimidating, and hopefully this tune can help ease any fears a child may have about seeing them. The key is for youngsters to see these people as friendly, helpful adults that they can trust.

I see all kinds of people, everywhere I go.
Some of them are new, and some of them I know.
I’ve learned about the kinds of things each person does for me,
So let me tell you all about the people that I see.

Police officers keep me safe, they usually dress in blue.
Firefighters wear red, and they protect me too.
When I am in trouble, they are the ones to call.
These are the people who help me, they look out for us all.

CHORUS

Teachers help me learn things, like how to read a book,
Math and science, spelling too, and even how to cook.
My principal and friends are other people at my school,
Where I have fun and work hard, ’cause being smart is cool.

CHORUS

Doctors are the people who keep my body strong,
I see them for my check-up, and when something is wrong.
The dentist cleans my teeth, and keeps cavities away,
By showing me how to brush and floss them everyday.

CHORUS

Speaking of meeting new people, I have had the pleasure of getting to know (albeit through email) Sandie and her son Matthew, who was born with born with agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC). You can read more about ACC and Matthew here. Thank you, Sandie, for sharing Listen & Learn with Matthew, and for making my job all the more worthwhile!