Thanks so much for watching my video and heading over to Listen & Learn Music! I’m excited to share “The Toolbox Song” with you because it truly is one of the most effective tools in my musical toolbox (pun totally intended).
My students and clients request this song time and time again, and I am always happy to oblige, because it allows me to work on so many goals at the same time.
To receive the mp3, instrumental track, lyrics/chords and facilitation guide, simply enter your first name and email address below. Then I’ll deliver the download link to your inbox.
In the Swimming Pool
From the time I started elementary school until I graduated high school, most of my summer days were spent at the neighborhood pool. My friends and I would ride our bikes there as soon as it opened, and we’d usually stay until our parents made us come home late in the afternoon. And if there is anything I remember from those carefree days, it is my mother’s daily reminders to “wear sunscreen and reapply” as I walked out the door.
Of course, wearing sunscreen is just one of the many important rules associated with swimming. I was sure to include that, among others, in my newest song on this topic. “In the Swimming Pool” was inspired by my fun memories, as well as my students, who come through the door in swimsuit cover-ups and wet hair for their music lessons all summer long.
In the summertime, when the weather is hot,
You can usually find me at my favorite spot.
I’ll be splashing around and staying cool,
In the swimming pool.
Doggypaddlin’ from end to end.
Playin’ Marco Polo with my best friend.
Backstroke, freestyle, butterfly,
Swim, swim, swimming by.
CHORUS
Wearin’ my goggles, now I can see,
Underneath the water so clearly.
Backstroke, freestyle, butterfly,
Swim, swim, swimming by.
CHORUS
Listen up and follow each and every rule,
Like walk, don’t run, by the swimming pool.
Wear lots of sunscreen and reapply.
Don’t wanna get burned by the sun in the sky.
CHORUS
I know that for many children, swimming can be scary at first. It can take quite a bit of coaxing to get a hesitant child into the pool; I kept this song light-hearted and upbeat to reflect for such children that swimming is actually fun!
Do you have any go-to tunes about water activities for summer? I’m thinking this might make a fun series…I just might have to come up with songs about sprinklers, water parks, and boating to round it out. Any other ideas?
Anywhere, Anytime
I’ve been working closely with one of my school’s speech therapists for the last couple of months, and the other day she came to me with a new song idea. She told me that she was sitting in church, singing the African American spiritual “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” with the rest of the congregation, when she realized that it would make a great tune for our students.
The three things she always reminds the kids to do are: listen, work, and practice. Those three words are the basis of this adapted song, and they really do apply to most things in our kids’ lives. Whether it’s a skill they are learning at school, a chore they are responsible for at home, or even a fun new experience such as riding a bike, all of those things require listening, working, and practicing.
I’m gonna listen so I can learn more,
Anywhere and anytime.
I’m gonna listen, so I can learn more,
Anywhere and anytime.
I’m gonna work so I can do more,
Anywhere and anytime.
I’m gonna work so I can do more,
Anywhere and anytime.
I’m gonna practice so I can be more,
Anywhere and anytime.
I’m gonna practice so I can be more,
Anywhere and anytime.
How could you apply this song to your own students’ lives? I’m thinking of singing it with my piano students at the end of each lesson, especially those who often “forget” to practice!
Stop, Think and Do
The teachers at my school often ask me to write very specific songs to enhance their classroom lessons. After all, my job as a music therapist is to support each classroom’s progress toward established goals and objectives. Last month I was asked to write a song featuring the phrase “stop, think and do”. This is a motto in our classroom for students with behavioral issues; they are encouraged to go through this process in any situation which could possibly result in making a bad decision.
I wanted this song to be an interactive experience for the students; not only does it remind them to follow those three steps, but I also provide opportunities to share situations in which the process was successful for them. I’ll explain further after you have a chance to listen and read the lyrics:
Well there are three little words I wanna say to you:
Stop, think and do.
Before you take action, every time, it’s true,
Stop, think and do.
Stop moving and pause, and think it through,
And then you can do (doot-do-doot-do).
When you’re angry, you need to make a good choice.
Stop, think and do.
When you’re angry, you need to use your voice.
Stop, think and do.
CHORUS
When you’re upset, you need to make a good choice.
Stop, think and do.
When you’re upset, you need to use your voice.
Stop, think and do.
CHORUS
When you’re hurting, you need to make a good choice.
Stop, think and do.
When you’re hurting, you need to use your voice.
Stop, think and do.
CHORUS
Situations in which a student is feeling angry, upset, or hurt are the most important times to “stop, think and do”. After each verse, I invite the class to share a time when they felt that particular emotion, followed he steps, and made a good decision. This is a group of students that love to talk, so I give them plenty of time to do so in a structured manner. (We begin each music therapy session with “Share Something Positive” and wrap it up with “Compliments” just before the goodbye song.)
I think turning these types of phrases into songs increases their effectiveness, especially if children listen to and sing them on a regular basis. Do you have any phrases similar to “stop, think, and do” that are frequently used in your classroom, therapy sessions, or your own home? It just might be my next song topic – so please share!
Time to Rhyme!
Children are surrounded by rhyme: they’re in picture books, songs, nursery rhymes, and on the television shows they watch. And although rhyming comes naturally to lots of kids, the concept itself can seem somewhat foreign.
This was the case with one classroom in particular at my school; a speech therapist came to me looking for song ideas that teach rhyming. I’m sure there are many great ones out there already, but in my usual fashion, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to write a new song.
A rhyme is when you repeat a sound again,
It usually happens at the end
Of a line in a song or poetry,
Now let’s try it, you and me.
Time to rhyme, fill in the blanks if you know
The missing word, ready, set, go!
During class we sit in our seat,
We do not stand up on our (pause) feet.
We brush our teeth before we go to bed,
Then on the pillow we rest our (pause) head.
CHORUS
In the winter, snow will fall,
We can make a round snow- (pause) ball.
In the spring, a flower grows,
We can smell it with our (pause) nose.
CHORUS
Look outside and see the sun,
Shining down on every- (pause) one.
Following all the rules is cool,
When we’re swimming in the (pause) pool.
A rhyme is when you repeat a sound again,
It usually happens at the end
Of a line in a song or poetry,
Thanks for rhyming along with me.
Not only does this song explain (very briefly and basically) the definition of a rhyme, but it gives the students several opportunities for correctly rhyming given words. The sentences give a context for the missing word, and most of my verbal students have been successful at completing the rhymes so far.
The fun thing about this song is that you can always change the sentences in each verse to appeal to your own students, or to make the rhymes easier or harder as needed. Better yet, let the kids write new sentences! Coming up with rhymes is one of my favorite aspects of songwriting; it’s a challenge, but a fun one.
Do you know of any other songs that teach rhyming? One of my favorites for flexing my students’ rhyming muscles is “Down by the Bay”
Bucklin’ Our Seatbelts
When I received a request for a seatbelt song via Facebook yesterday, I jumped at this songwriting opportunity. I also asked myself: why hadn’t I thought of it already? Buckling up is essential to our safety, and it’s a habit we learn at an early age. Some kids just need a gentle reminder, and what better way to remind them than through song!
We’re gonna get in the car and take a ride,
So let’s open the door and get inside,
But before we pull away,
And before it’s time to play,
We need to buckle up.
Click, click, click,
We’re bucklin’ our seatbelts.
Click, click, click,
We gotta be safe.
A click for me, and a click for you,
Bucklin’ up is what we do!
What other safety skills can you think of that might make a good song topic? I’ve already written these, but I’d love to add to the collection. And of course, if you are looking for something a bit more personalized for your little guy or gal, you can always opt for a custom song.
While you’re busy brainstorming safety song ideas, I’ll be whipping up several new tunes for you over the next couple of weeks. In May, I begin helping my students prepare for the transition from the regular school year to summer school, or for some, graduation and entry into the “adult” world. It’s an exciting time, and a great opportunity to make music together!
The Ice Age Song
If you’ve seen Ice Age, then you probably recognize these creatures as the main characters. My song is unrelated to the film, but I loved this picture – and the animals just happen to be the right species! “The Ice Age Song” is my attempt at consolidating general knowledge about this prehistoric era in a way that children can understand.
Now, this is not a topic I’d cover as a matter of course. But my sorority’s local alumnae association is hosting a kids camp-in with an Ice Age theme at the Illinois State Museum later this month, and guess who is providing the musical entertainment? I did actually do a search for songs on this subject, but unfortunately came up empty-handed. So I got to work writing my own, and this is what I came up with:
Millions of years ago,
The earth was covered in ice and snow,
No oak tree grew, no grass on the ground.
Only glaciers all around.
The air was cold, the land was bare,
In the Ice Age everywhere.
Wooly mammoths, and cave bears too,
And wooly rhinos, just to name a few.
Were animals who lived back when,
But have become extinct since then.
There were also reindeer with their great big hooves,
And horses, bison and wolves.
CHORUS
35,000 years before now,
The Ice Age people lived somehow.
They hunted with tools they made from rock and bone,
In caves and shelters they found a home.
Fire kept them warm and scared the animals away,
They were able to live this way.
CHORUS
The Ice Age was a time of discovery
For those who came before you and me.
Eventually the ice began to melt away,
And the Earth evolved into what it is today.
Now glaciers and fossils and drawings show,
That the Ice Age existed long ago.
CHORUS
I kept the information pretty basic and straightforward, bearing in mind that my audience will be made up of late-elementary school students. My program comes at the end of the evening, though, so by then, they’ll probably already know all of this and then some. In fact, maybe the kids could help me write “The Ice Age Song: Part 2”. Hmm…now that’s not a bad idea!
Remix: Shaky Colorful Fruit
Last fall I posted a song I wrote specifically for my set of Nino Fruit Shakers, which I titled “Shaky Fruit” (you can read the post and listen to the original song here). Well my students who I see in private practice just can’t seem to get enough of that song, so I decided to bring it to The Hope Institute this month. We are focusing on healthy foods, so it fit in perfectly with our theme.
Unfortunately, we don’t have the Nino Fruit Shakers here at school, but you know me and my habit of adapting songs to fit any situation. All I did was change up the lyrics to match the instruments we have on hand (the Basic Beat chiquitas
Doot-doot-do-doot, shaky fruit,
Blueberry, grape, apple, pear, banana
Doot-doot-do-doot, shaky fruit,
From Mississippi to Indiana.
Shaky blueberry, shaky blueberry,
Blue and crunchy too.
Shaky blueberry, shaky blueberry,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.
Shaky grape, shaky grape,
Purple and juicy too.
Shaky grape, shaky grape,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.
Shaky apple, shaky apple,
Red and crunchy too.
Shaky apple, shaky apple,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.
Shaky pear, shaky pear,
Green and delicious too.
Shaky pear, shaky pear,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.
Shaky banana, shaky banana,
Yellow and tasty too.
Shaky banana, shaky banana,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.
“Shaky Colorful Fruit” debuted this morning, on this first Monday back after Spring Break. I had to practice it a few times through first so that I could get the new lyrics down…so far, so good :) My students are also shakin’ to the beat of “Eat Like a Rainbow” by Jay Mankita, along with a few other originals devoted to mealtime.
Happy Face, Happy Voice
Whining. We all do it from time to time, whether you’re a child, mature adult, or my dog at 4 in the morning. For kids, whining comes naturally in unfavorable situations, or even just when they’re tired and cranky. How many times have the words “stop whining!” come out of your mouth? Probably quite a few if you’re a parent, teacher, or anyone else who spends time with children on a regular basis.
But that phrase may fall upon deaf ears after awhile, so how about a new way to help nip this bad habit in the bud? That was the strategy for one of my consult clients, who requested a custom-written song about using a “happy face and happy voice” instead of whining.
When you are unhappy and feeling blue,
There are just a few things that you need to do.
Just listen up, and you’ll be fine,
As long as you don’t whine.
First you need to find your happy face,
Then you need to find your happy voice.
When you talk without a whine,
And smile, you shine.
You’re making the right choice!
Simple and to the point. It’s amazing how such basic songs can be so effective, as long as the message is clear. What other bad habits might be addressed through a song like this?
Wave Goodbye to Winter
Warning: I might be contagious, so don’t come near me unless you want to catch…spring fever! Here are a few of my symptoms:
- jumping for joy at the appearance of sunlight
- impatiently counting down the days left of winter
- the urge to hug the weatherman for predicting warmer temps
- spontaneously breaking into songs about spring
I’ve come down with a very serious case, and it’s only getting worse with each passing day. But I take comfort in knowing I’m not alone in my suffering; it seems that spring fever is running rampant. Have you fallen victim?
The good news is that my spring fever inspired me to write a new song, and every time I sing it, I can’t help but feel giddy at the prospect of birds singing in the trees, warm sunshine on my face, green grass, and blooming flowers.
Wave goodbye to winter,
Say hello to spring.
Clap your hands,
Oh, clap your hands,
Oh, clap your hands and sing!
Sing because spring is almost here.
Sing because the sky will be blue and clear.
Sing with the birds, up in the tree,
Sing and (clap your hands) with me!
Wave goodbye to snow,
Say hello to spring.
Sway side to side,
Oh, side to side,
Sway side to side and sing!
CHORUS
Wave goodbye to cold air,
Say hello to spring.
Wave your arms,
Oh, wave your arms,
Oh, wave your arms and sing!
CHORUS
Wave goodbye to gray days,
Say hello to spring.
Tap your toes,
Oh, tap your toes,
Oh, tap your toes and sing!
In 17 days, we can officially wave goodbye to winter and celebrate the official start of spring. But for now, I’ll settle for a week of sunshine, 40-degree (and climbing) temperatures, and best of all, little to no precipitation. It’s the small victories, you know? After this brutal winter, I’ll take whatever I can get!
Marching Right Along
Is it just me, or did February seem to drag on and on? Thankfully, that dreary winter month is finally behind us and March is here! On the horizon: SPRING, a weekend in Chicago, my puppy’s first birthday, and a week-long break (during which I’ll be recording a CD in St. Louis).
I was so excited about the advent of month #3 that I even recorded a new version of my “March” song. I wanted to pep it up just a bit, so I added some drums, bass and harmonies and this was the final result:
March is here, yes March is here,
The third month of the year.
Thirty one days march into spring,
And that is a wonderful thing.
Yes that is a wonderful thing.
St. Patrick’s Day will come around,
Find four-leaf clovers on the ground.
Leprechauns and rainbows too,
Clothes of green for me and you.
CHORUS
Get ready for the start of spring,
And all the fun that it will bring.
Soon enough we’ll have spring break,
Let’s celebrate, for goodness sake!
CHORUS (2x)
Even though today is a holiday, March is off to a busy start for me! This whole week is going to fly by, in fact. The clock is ticking, so it’s time for me to get a move on. Happy first day of March (and Casimir Pulaski Day), everyone :)