Yesterday, I introduced you to my music therapy intern, Karen. Today I’m sharing one of the songs she adapted and has been using in her sessions this month. I fell in love with it the first time I heard her sing it, and thought it would make for the perfect “Sunday Singalong” video this Valentine’s Day weekend.
Our students really enjoy singing this song and sharing their own happiness-inducing people, things and activities with Karen. For our non-verbal students, Karen asks the teachers and staff to share some things that make those particular students happy — and there are lots of smiles when they do so! It’s a nice way to wind down the session and leave on a positive note.
I’m particularly happy today, because I’ll be surrounded by music therapists and educators at a CMTE on Multicultural Music for Music Therapists, hosted by the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago and the Illinois Association for Music Therapy. It’s an event I’ve been planning for months now, and to finally experience it is a treat.
What are your favorite “happiness” songs? I’d love to compile a list to share, not to mention have it on hand to pull from when I’m in need of some new tunes. Post yours in the comments!
I love this song! I use it with my kids doing movement, speech, and emotional work. I learned it in my undergrad coursework and have always enjoyed it.
It’s definitely a keeper! Fun to know that other people are using this song, too :)
I love this song!!!! Is it available on your site and I just missed it???? Funny that you asked this question because on Friday I played my favorite song of all “What a Wonderful World” for my students. I had been out recovering from surgery and I just really missed my little ones. I told them I wanted to share this song with them because it was my favorite song in the world. They loved it. One little girl cried and someone asked her why. I stepped in and said it makes me cry too, but tears of happiness! I explained that sometimes we are so full of love and happiness that it makes us cry. Second favorite is Don’t Worry Be Happy. Both cliche’, I know…but they are popular for a reason! After that it would have to be: I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing, C’mon Get Happy, Sing. Sing a Song, Beautiful Morning, This Land is Your Land, and one that would take SOME REVISION…but was my favorite as a little girl: Let the Sunshine In by Pebbles and Bamm Bamm. Too many others to mention…and when I think about it…probably NOT the best lyrics for children…but they make ME smile (Kodachrome comes to mind!) Thanks for making us happy Rachel. :-)
This is the first time I’ve posted the song – you didn’t miss it! I also LOVE “What a Wonderful World’ and think it’s so sweet that you played it for your kiddos :) Thanks for all the happy song suggestions. “Sing a Song” is a favorite of mine and I have lots of my little voice students learn it. I’ve never heard the last one you mentioned but will check it out!
Pass on my thanks to your intern Karen. I had never heard of this song until you posted it. I’ve used it lots and lots in the past couple of weeks. I also took the time to look up the original singer and educate myself in that respect. It is doubtful I would have found this gem without your post, so thank you.
Will do — thanks, Shonda! I’m so glad you’ve been able to use it…so have I. Your comments and readership are greatly appreciated :)