by Rachel | Listen & Learn Music, Uncategorized
Ahh, shoe tying. It’s one of those rites of passage that most children go through in their early elementary years…at least, that’s the goal. There are so many ways to go about teaching this skill, and a google search led me to countless rhymes, poems, and little ditties breaking down this skill into manageable steps. I thought I may as well throw my hat in the ring, so this is my addition to the collection.
I can tie my shoes, do you wanna see?
I can tie my shoes independently.
First I make a criss-cross, in the air,
Then loop one end under there.
Pull both laces nice and tight,
Make one loop that has a tail just like a kite.
Now I take the other string and wrap it round the loop,
Guide it through the hole, and that’s the scoop.
Now I’ve got two loops, so I’ll pull them snug,
All I really need is a little tug.
Repeat these steps for the other shoe,
Oh I can tie my shoes, and you can too!
This is a skill that takes lots and lots of practice, and it is one that requires patience on the part of both student and teacher. A song may help, but hands-on action is what will get the job done. Happy tying!
by Rachel | Listen & Learn Music, Uncategorized
Memorizing a string of numbers can be challenging, but it is absolutely necessary for each and every child to know his/her home phone number. And what is the best way to learn? Why, with a song, of course! “Digit Dance” makes this task a little more fun…I used a made-up phone number for the first half of the song, so just replace that with the child’s number when you put this tune to use.
I have a little boogie that I do,
When I share my phone number with you.
There are seven numbers that you need to know,
So I’ll say them nice and slow:
_ _ _-_ _ _ _
Do the digit dance, do the digit dance,
_ _ _-_ _ _ _
Do the digit dance, do the digit dance,
_ _ _-_ _ _ _
Memorize your number and don’t forget,
Not to share it with the people you just met.
You can tell it to your teacher or friend,
Now I’ll say it once again:
_ _ _-_ _ _ _
Do the digit dance, do the digit dance,
_ _ _-_ _ _ _
Do the digit dance, do the digit dance,
_ _ _-_ _ _ _
A great way to adapt this song is to use sign language when listing the phone number. That way, non-hearing students can still benefit, and everyone can work on signing skills at the same time. You could also play a game using this song, where you take turns pointing to a student, and that student fills in his/her own phone number.
by Rachel | Uncategorized
Good morning! It’s Monday, but hey, we’ll make the best of it :) I had a wonderful trip to Chicago – the parade was packed with people but the weather and the atmosphere definitely made it worthwhile. It was so nice to spend time with our friends, and my husband’s awards banquet was super fun as usual. We returned last night, and after a whirlwind weekend it was a little difficult getting back into the groove.
Today’s song is another new one, and this time we’re singing about cleaning up. I know this is certainly not most kids’ favorite activity, but a song can make just about anything reasonably enjoyable. I wrote this song so that you can add verses to cater to the specific clean-up task being tackled. I included just a couple sample verses (picking up toys and clearing away dishes) but feel free to make changes as needed.
Clean up time, clean up time,
Lend a hand and sing this rhyme.
Clean up time, so do your part,
Ready, get set, now start!
Clean up your toys, put ‘em away.
Put ‘em away, oh put ‘em away.
Put ‘em away, where they belong,
Cleaning up is the name of this song.
CHORUS
Clear away your dishes, take ‘em away,
Take ‘em away, oh take ‘em away.
Take ‘em away, where they belong,
Cleaning up is the name of this song.
Clean up time, clean up time,
You lent a hand and sang this rhyme,.
Clean up time, your part is done,
Cleaning up can be such fun.
Do you know any other clean-up songs? They come in so handy for my students when it’s time to put away instruments or other materials used in music therapy sessions.
by Rachel | Listen & Learn Music
If you live in the midwest, you are no stranger to the fact that the weather can fluctuate radically on a daily basis. We started the week in the 30s, and today and tomorrow we’re expecting 60-degree temperatures. I’m definitely not complaining about the warm-up, but sometimes it’s a little difficult to keep up!
Today I headed out the door with a light jacket on over my sweater, but I’m waiting for the day when I’ll need sunscreen and sunglasses, just like the song says.
It’s sunny, it’s sunny,
What else do I need?
Sunscreen and some sunglasses too,
That is what I need.
It’s chilly, it’s chilly,
What else do I need?
Mittens and a jacket too,
That is what I need.
It’s raining, it’s raining,
What else do I need?
Umbrella, rain boots, and slicker too,
That is what I need.
It’s freezing, it’s freezing,
What else do I need?
A winter coat, scarf, hat, and gloves,
That is what I need.
Oh, and if you are wondering, the official countdown to spring is at 15 days. And coincidentally, the first day of spring is also moving day for me! This weekend is daylight savings time, meaning we’ll lose an hour of sleep on Saturday night/Sunday morning. But hey, I will gladly lose that hour if it means more light at night. A sure sign that spring is in the air…hey, I feel a song coming on :)
by Rachel | Listen & Learn Music
If you’ve been reading my blog for the last month or so, then you already know that I am moving soon. I’ve had to tell people or write down my new address several times this week, and I keep mixing it up with my current address or just forgetting it altogether. I am not a forgetful person, but when something like your address is ingrained in your brain, it’s hard to relearn that! But I’m trying. In fact, this is what inspired me to write the song below, which is all about addresses.
There’s a number, and a street, and a city, and a state,
And a zipcode, I give,
When my family or friends or a teacher needs to know
The place where I live.
You put ’em all together and what do you get?
My address, I won’t forget.
My street number is ________
My street name is __________
My city is _________________
In the state of ____________
My zipcode has five numbers, it’s ____________
You put ’em all together, and what do you get?
My address, I won’t forget.
There’s a number, and a street, and a city, and a state,
And a zipcode, I give,
When my family or friends or a teacher needs to know
The place where I live.
You put ’em all together and what do you get?
My address, I won’t forget.
Or at least, I’ll try not to anymore! A week from tomorrow, we’ll be signing the papers that make the house officially ours, and by then I think I will have my new address down pat. In the meantime, I have a busy day ahead full of classes and planning. Have a happy Wednesday!
