Ten Fat Turkeys

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10 Fat Turkeys

I know we’ve already counted turkeys this month, but I just had to tell you about this book that I’ve been reading (well, singing) with my students. You may already know it; it’s called Ten Fat Turkeys and it’s just as silly as the other book I recommended, I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie.

This story is a new student favorite, which is good enough for me! I especially enjoy the pictures, which are colorful and goofy. Be sure to add this to your bookshelf for next year. I have one more Thanksgiving song for you, so make sure to stop by and take a listen tomorrow. I hope you are enjoying this short week, and gearing up for the official start of the holiday season. I sure am!

Friday Fave: Songs for Teaching

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I have some really exciting news that I’ve been bursting to share with you, and I thought there was no better time to do so than today, as my Friday Fave. A while back, I told you all about Songs for Teaching and my opportunity to make my songs available on their website.

Now, just a few short weeks later, you can visit Songs for Teaching and not only listen to my songs, but download them as well. I currently have six collections available: Months, Weather, Healthy Habits, Fall, Rhythms, and Manners.

And while you’re there, be sure to check out all of the other great artists and their songs. There are so many different styles to choose from.

I’m spending the weekend in Connecticut, but I just might have to take a break from the wedding festivities to post another Thanksgiving song since time is running out. No promises, but check back tomorrow just in case!

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Pie

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This book is a MUST for your child or classroom, as I’ve discovered this month. It’s a new take on the classic, I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, complete with hilarious illustrations and a funny story that even the kids who are too cool for school will enjoy. You can find it where I did, on Amazon, for a very reasonable price.

Just a note before I share the song and lyrics: in the book, the last line of every refrain is “Perhaps she’ll die.” I always change this to “Perhaps she’ll cry”, which is much more kid-friendly – many of them like to pretend that they are crying when they sing this line along with me. It’s simple to type out the word “cry” and cut and paste it into the book over the word “die” on each page.

This book is the perfect way to help your child/students/YOURSELF! get excited about Thanksgiving while having fun and being silly at the same time.

Songs for Teaching

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Over the last few days, I have had the pleasure of conversing with the wonderful people at Songs For Teaching, a one-stop website for educational children’s songs, lyrics, sound clips, and teaching suggestions. After taking full advantage of this resource over the last couple of years, I now have the opportunity to make my own songs available for listening and downloading. The wheels are in motion, but I’ll save the details until it’s a done deal. In the meantime, check out the website, and enjoy your Saturday night!

Ten Little Ladybugs

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Over the last few years, I have amassed quite a collection of books that I use with my students. I always keep my eye out for books with bright, colorful pictures and engaging content, but most importantly, the words must rhyme or have a lyrical quality. This is a must because rather than just read the books to (or with) my students, I sing them. It’s easy to set the words to a simple tune, either original or familiar (such as “Twinkle Twinkle” or “Clementine”), and it is more appealing to the student, as well.

I can address multiple goals while singing books with my students: answering “yes/no” or “wh” questions, naming objects and colors, reading, counting, following directions (such as turning the page or pointing to something), and attention to task.

My favorite types of books to read, especially with the younger crowd, are those with texture or 3-D elements. One great example is Ten Little Ladybugs. The book is visually stunning and stimulating, and my students never grow tired of it!