I have a tendency to overcomplicate things. From what I’ve heard, this is not uncommon among music therapists and teachers. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that simpler can be better, especially when it comes to working with very young children like I so often do.
My high school Latin teacher had a favorite phrase, and that was “KISS – keep it simple, stupid.” She meant it in the most loving way, trust me :) I find myself repeating this phrase when I’m songwriting or planning a session for my students.
As much as I love introducing them to brand new songs, I have learned that it’s important to include the basic tunes they know and love, as well. Little ones love familiarity, and I love the happy look on their faces when they realize I’m singing a song they know and join right in. Like these, for example:
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
___
A, B, C, D, E, F, G,
H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z.
Now I know my ABCs,
Next time won’t you sing with me?
I know, I know…we’re talking the very basics here. But I’ve included “Twinkle, Twinkle” and the “ABCs” in every single Church Mice session since I started teaching the class over 4 years ago, and have not heard one complaint. Quite the opposite, actually.
What are your favorite “back to basic” songs to include in music therapy sessions or music classes? Let me know in the comments, please and thank you!
“If You’re Happy and You Know It” always seems to be a good familiar friend. It’s also inviting to that little something new
Absolutely, Cheryl! I love the adaptability of this one, especially where movement, following directions, and imitation are concerned.
Hi Rachel,
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who sings ABC and Twinkle EVERY class with the little ones.
The others are…
Eency Weency Spider
Wheels on the Bus
Happy Birthday
:)
Same here, Susan! All great ones…I love to use the “Eency Weency Spider” book that goes with the song for that extra visual stimulation. And “Happy Birthday” is important because they’ll be singing that song for the rest of their lives :)
Love it! A balance of novel AND familiar is so essential to therapy and education. I must say that Twinkle Twinkle is one I use with little ones. Also, Row, Row, Row your boat, and the aforementioned If You’re Happy and You Know It.
Agreed! I loved practicing round singing as a child with “Row Your Boat” so that is fun to do with my students every so often :)
We’re actually doing a 1st grade program of
American basics this week (not as basic as Twinkle, but still basic)….Engine Engine No 9, I’ve Been Working On tue Railroad. What is unfortunate is many of our kids don’t know a lot of the songs we, as music educators, consider “the basics.” So I think getting back to the basics is even more important now than ever! Thanks, as always, Rachel!
That’s awesome, Claire! And that is so true…my intern and I were just discussing that recently. Thank YOU!
I love this! I always wonder if the kids are getting bored because I feel like I do the same songs over and over. But they seem to love it! This is great to know I’m not the only music therapist who thinks about this.
Exactly, Lori! That was my initial fear as well. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one, too :D
Great suggestions! I must add one of my favorites…
Since preschool, I’ve been a fan of “Five Little Speckled Frogs”. Now I realize that this simple song can incorporate counting, colors recognition, verbal skills, and more!
When I first graduated with my degree, my parents presented me with a little log and five little speckled frogs! I should pull that out again soon…
Another favorite of mine, Elise :) I have a brown glove with velcro and five little frogs for each finger that I use for this song…it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
I used to have my fifth graders sing “the itsy-bitsy spider song” every Friday before they left school. They loved it.
Aw, fun! I bet they did!
As you know I don’t work with children, but I am definitely the queen of “let’s expand this information until you’re so completely overloaded that you can no longer function!!” Aaaaugh! Deeeep breath. Phew! I’m preparing a five-hour CMTE and starting to do the make it too complicated thing, and I appreciate your blog post for an entirely different reason! Thanks, Rachel! (And my high school English teacher- who was also my mom’s high school English teacher- was not meaning it in the most loving way when he put KISS on our papers.)
I hear you loud and clear, Roia! That’s why KISS (in my teacher’s style, not your teacher’s, haha) is my motto. It’s good to know the areas we need to work on, right?! ;)