Free Download: “Little Red Apples”
This is one of many counting songs I’ve written, which focuses on counting both up to 5 and down from 5. I created simple apple visual aides (using red construction paper and then laminating) which my students can then manipulate as we count.
Click here to download the mp3 and lyrics/chords.
P.S. If you want access to my entire collection of over 200 songs (mp3, lead sheet, and instrumental track), videos, tutorials, and visual aides, plus ALL new releases from Listen & Learn Music, consider joining me over at Listen & Learn Plus!
iPod Bingo
I use my iPod at work on a daily basis. I just plug it into my handy dandy speaker, and then I have my entire library of tunes at my fingertips. Most of the time, I use the iPod to play songs to accompany instrument or movement activities – circumstances where playing my guitar is not convenient or possible.
But last year while I was brainstorming ideas for one of my higher functioning classes, I came up with a great new (at least, for me) way to utilize the iPod. My students love current songs, movies, and listening to the iPod, so why not combine all three into a game of Bingo? I set to work creating snippets of songs (about 20 seconds each), both from movies and artists I know my students like, using the Mac music-editing program Garageband. Then I created Bingo sheets, twelve for each version of the game. They turned out like this:
I bought those little plastic googly eyes to use as bingo chips, which I store in mini plastic ziploc bags (one for each student). And then I created a playlist of the song snippets, which I just set to shuffle and then hit play. Then I can assist the students instead of dealing with the iPod, which just plays on its own.
iPod Bingo has become the students’ favorite activity, and I use it as a reward for completing other music therapy tasks that aren’t quite as exciting. While they think it is just a fun game, it actually fosters critical listening, social interaction, and team work. Over the next month I’ll be putting together iPod Bingo: Holiday Edition.
Today it is October
Wow! Fall is in full swing, and today we begin the 10th month of the year. 2008 has flown by so quickly…is it just me, or does time speed up with each passing year?
October is almost synonymous with pumpkins, scarecrows, harvest, cool weather, and of course, Halloween. Though it is not my favorite “holiday” (much to the dismay of my dad, who is quite the Halloween enthusiast), I always put my lukewarm feelings aside and join in the fun – especially when it comes to my students! They love singing about bats, witches, ghosts, and goblins, so this month I have several new songs on tap.
Today it is October,
The tenth month of the year.
Summertime is over,
and autumn weather’s near.
Today it is October,
The leaves are turning brown.
The air is getting chilly,
And soon the leaves fall down.
Today it is October,
The tenth month of the year.
Summertime is over,
and autumn weather’s near.
Today it is October,
It’s time to celebrate
Fall festivals and Columbus Day
Oh, I can hardly wait!
Today it is October,
The tenth month of the year.
Summertime is over,
and autumn weather’s near.
Today it is October,
It’s time for Halloween.
Candy, spooks, and costumes,
And all those scary things.
Today it is October,
The tenth month of the year.
Summertime is over,
and autumn weather’s near.
School Spirit
The Hope Institute is a residential school for children with multiple disabilities. Over 70% of our students have a diagnosis of autism; other diagnoses include Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, severe behavioral disorders, and various cognitive, physical and emotional deficits. Hope has a staff of over 500, including teachers, educational and habilitation specialists, therapists, and administrative officials.
As the only music therapist, I work with each class as well as several students individually. We work on social skills, movement, following directions, interaction, and many other goal areas. I also get to do all sorts of fun “extras” such as leading school singalongs, organizing student performances, and sharing the music of Hope with the community.
Last year I was asked to write a new school song, which the students sang at this year’s pep rally. It was so much fun to write, but what I really love is hearing the kids sing it and showing their school spirit. Here it is:
We are the bulldogs,
We are the bulldogs,
The Hope bulldogs are we.
Mighty and strong,
At the top we belong,
Oh just you wait and see!
We are the bulldogs,
We are the bulldogs,
White and blue and proud,
We do our best,
Stand apart from the rest,
We sing our song out loud!
We are the bulldogs,
We are the bulldogs,
The Hope bulldogs are we.
Mighty and strong,
At the top we belong,
Oh just you wait and see!
Tunes I Like
It would be nearly impossible to use only my own music in my work with children; besides, I wouldn’t want to! There are so many great singers and songwriters who are producing top-notch children’s songs – it would be a waste not to take advantage of such resources. When I’m looking for fresh material, iTunes and Amazon are it for discovering what’s new and popular. Here are some of the gems I’ve discovered over the last few years.
1. Elizabeth Mitchell
Elizabeth is a fairly new discovery. She has a sweet, soothing voice and you’ll recognize many of her songs. Favorites: Three is a Magic Number, So Glad I’m Here, You Are My Sunshine
2. Genevieve Jereb
This singer/songwriter is also an occupational therapist, and her Australian accent adds such charm to her already wonderful tunes. Favorites: I Am Me, Jellybeans, A-La-La-La-La-La- La- Le-Luia
3. Greg & Steve
If you’re looking for a great movement song, these are your guys. All of their songs are fun, educational, and catchy. Favorites: Can’t Sit Still, The Number Rock, Popcorn
4. Jack Hartmann
I saw him at a conference last spring, and not only is he full of energy, but kids love his music. And there are tons of songs to choose from. Favorites: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Birthdays, Powwow
5. Jim Gill
Another great resource for movement tunes. His songs are the perfect combination of silly and smart. Favorites: Alabama Mississippi, Toe Leg Knee, Rhythm in My Fingers, My Ups and Downs
6. Laurie Berkner
She is one of the very first songwriters who really caught my eye…er, ear, and she remains my go-to source for songs I know my kids will love. Favorites: Buzz Buzz, Walk Along the River, The Story of My Feelings, Mahalo, Shakin’ Down the Sugar
7. Mr. Heath
If total silliness is what you’re looking for, Mr. Heath is your answer. My students have been singing Spring Fever through three seasons! Favorites: Doo Wocka Doo, Spring Fever, Red Means Stop
These are just a few of the many, many music makers I adore. If you’d like more suggestions, just ask!
Pitter Patter, Pitter Patter
The sun has finally taken a day off, and it’s been replaced by storm clouds and raindrops. As much as I love sunny days, I am looking forward to singing a different weather song today. “Rainy Day” hasn’t had much airtime since the spring, so it will be fun to dig it back out. Take a listen:
Pitter patter, pitter patter
Down comes the rain today
Clouds are forming in the sky,
Inside we’ll have to stay.
Thunder crashes, boom boom boom!
We see lightning too.
Don’t go outside,
Until the storm is through.
Pitter patter, pitter patter
Down comes the rain today
Clouds are forming in the sky,
Inside we’ll have to stay.
Where Are Your Manners?
Yesterday it was all about appropriate language…today we’ll continue in that vein with a song about using good manners. Children receive constant reminders to say “hello”, “please”, “thank you”, and “you’re welcome”, so after a while, they can start to tune them out. What better way to teach manners than with a song?
Manners, manners, what are they?
It’s the way you talk, act, and play.
Using friendly words and being nice
Is having good manners, take my advice.
Is crying and screaming the right thing to do?
No, that’s bad manners for me and you.
But smiling and having nice hands and feet
Is having great manners, and being sweet.
Saying please and thank you is great,
So is being patient while you wait.
Following directions and taking your turn
Is having nice manners, you will learn.
So always remember to do these things,
And you will see the smiles it brings.
Use friendly words and be polite,
And your manner will be just right!
Friendly Words
An issue that comes up frequently when working with children is the use of appropriate language. I wrote this song for a student who had a habit of saying “pee-yew, you stink!” whether the person did or not (and most of the time, luckily, it was the latter). Now we sing this song together, and afterwards, I quiz her on which phrases are appropriate and which are not. After months and months of singing this song together, she has ceased holding her nose and uttering this phrase, and “Friendly Words” is her favorite song. Go figure!
Let’s sing a little song about the words we say
To make people smile every single day.
Friendly words are what we use
So think about the words you choose.
Hi and Hello and How Are You?
Are friendly greeting words through and through
Another friendly thing that you can say
Is “You look very pretty today.”
But if you say “pee-yew, you stink”,
That’s just not so nice, don’t you think.
Gross and yuck and disgusting
Are not friendly words for you and me.
So use nice words and then you’ll see,
It’s so cool to be friendly.
So use nice words and then you’ll see,
It’s so cool to be friendly.
Another Sunny Day
It’s been a beautiful week here in central Illinois, and actually, with the exception of a few days here and there, the weather has been consistently sunny and warm all month. You know how excited I am about the advent of fall, but I am definitely enjoying these last few summer-like days.
There’s nothing better than a beautiful, sunny Friday, so to celebrate, I’ll share one of my most popular songs: “Sunny Day.” My students absolutely love singing along, especially the part that goes “la la la la la.” I wrote it early last year, and I have to say it is one of my personal favorites. So I hope you like it, too!
Sun-sun-sunny day, lalalalala,
Sun-sun-sunny day, yes sir!
Look outside and what do you see?
The sun is shining down on me.
Sun-sun-sunny day, lalalalala,
Sun-sun-sunny day!
The air is warm, and the sky is blue.
A beautiful day for me and you.
Sun-sun-sunny day, lalalalala,
Sun-sun-sunny day, yes sir!
Look outside and what do you see?
The sun is shining down on me.
Sun-sun-sunny day, lalalalala,
Sun-sun-sunny day!
Singing this song always puts me in a good mood. What songs do the same for you and your child or students?
Brushin’ My Teeth
To round out tonight’s three-part self care series, here’s a song that teaches the correct way to brush teeth. This can be a difficult task, so anything to make it a little more fun can help. The tune is recognizable and catchy; you’ll most likely find yourself humming it tomorrow :) Check it out:
I’m brushin’ all my teeth to keep them clean,
Nice and white, not yellow or green.
I brush them in the morning, noon, and night,
This is how I do it right.
First I get my toothbrush nice and wet,
Squeeze the toothpaste and then I’m all set.
Now I’ll put my toothbrush in my mouth,
Brush east and west, and north and south.
Brushin’ up and down and side to side,
Keep my mouth open nice and wide.
Don’t forget my tongue, I’ll clean it now,
Brushin’ is easy when I now how.
Last I’ll rinse my toothbrush and put it up,
Take a sip of water from a cup.
Rinse my mouth, and now I’m done,
Brushin’ my teeth is so much fun!
This is the Way We Wash Our Hands
Another essential self-care skill: hand washing. The lyrics are repetitive, making it easy to learn and fun to sing. All while the child learns how to correctly wash his or her hands! That is my goal: to make learning enjoyable, so that it doesn’t feel like learning. Here’s the song:
This is the way we wash our hands,
When our hands are dirty we wash our hands,
After we use the bathroom we wash our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.
First turn on the faucet with our hands,
Then put the soap in our hands,
Rub the soap all over, in our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.
Wash the tops of our hands,
Wash the palms of our hands,
Wash between the fingers on our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.
Next rinse off the soap from our hands,
Then turn off the faucet with our hands,
Use a paper towel to dry our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.
This is the way we wash our hands,
When our hands are dirty we wash our hands,
After we use the bathroom we wash our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.