Riding My Bike

Riding My Bike

All winter long, I look forward to warm weather for many reasons, but mostly this one: so that I can ride my bike! And since we’ve had such a beautiful (not to mention early) spring, I’ve already put almost 600 miles on my bike since March 1st.

And though my rides are a bit longer now than they were when I was younger, riding my bike still makes me feel kinda like a kid — in a good way. However, I’m a lot better about bike safety now than I was back then, and that is what today’s song is all about.

I’m getting ready to head out on a nice long ride this morning with my dad, and you’d better believe we’ll be wearing helmets, using our signals, and putting to use all of the other safety tips mentioned in the song. Well, except for the one about riding on the sidewalk…we’re a little too old for that ;)

Sunday Singalong: Safety Comes First

Just a few weeks ago, I featured a song called Red, Yellow and Green as a “Sunday Singalong” video.  That song was a part of my safety theme in music therapy throughout the month of March, as was the song in this week’s video.

“Safety Comes First” originated as a request from a music therapist in California who was looking for a song that incorporated the rules of being around cars and parking lots.  I’m so glad she asked me to write it, because I think it’s so important for my students to be educated on this topic, as well.

Sunday Singalong: Red, Yellow & Green

Happy Sunday! I had a bit of a hard time trying to decide which song to feature in this week’s video. There was the option of another Valentine-related tune since this is the last Sunday in February, but truth be told, I’m ready to move past this month and get to March (specifically Spring). There was also the option of talking about the cold, snowy weather, but I’m over that, too.

So I took the path less traveled: a song about the traffic lights. I’m going to introduce Red, Yellow & Green to my students at school this week, so this gave me a chance to practice and re-memorize it :)

Another great song I use in conjunction with this one is Red Means Stop by Mr. Heath.  It really deserves its own blog post…my students love it because it lets them flex their creative muscles while still learning traffic safety.  Any other songs you recommend on this topic?  Share them in the comments!

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?

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!