What to Wear, What to Wear

by | Listen & Learn Music

It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but one of the hardest parts of my day is picking out an outfit to wear. I always second guess myself…did I just wear this? Is this too spring-ish? Does this shirt even fit? This daily dilemma got me to thinking: it’s probably a little overwhelming for kids when they first start dressing themselves. Now granted, they probably don’t have the same concerns as us grown-ups (i.e. matching, obeying the rules of the season), but if I had to guess, I’d say it’s a bit of a challenge.

That line of thinking inspired me to write this song, which covers several aspects of getting dressed. And next month, I’m going to use it as a precursor to the weather song, since our outfits are usually determined by the weather. Take a listen:

There are a few things that I need to know,
Before I get dressed today.
What’s the weather like?
Am I going to school?
Or just outside to play?

Because the people I see, and the places I go,
And whether there is sun or rain or snow,
All matter when I choose,
My clothes and my shoes.

Girls can wear a dress or skirt,
However, boys cannot,
We can all wear pants and even shorts,
Depending if it’s cold or it’s hot.

CHORUS

Next I’ll choose a shirt to wear,
Short-sleeved, or long,
Or maybe a sweater if it’s wintertime,
‘Cause in the summer that would be wrong.

CHORUS

Last but least comes shoes and socks,
Or sandals if it’s warm,
Sneakers if I’m playing outside,
Or boots if there is a storm.

CHORUS

I kept it simple, but I think it is effective. I’ve even found myself humming this tune a couple times this past week while standing in my closet, clueless as usual. Someday this will become an easy task…I hope!

Brushin’ My Teeth

by | Uncategorized

To round out tonight’s three-part self care series, here’s a song that teaches the correct way to brush teeth. This can be a difficult task, so anything to make it a little more fun can help. The tune is recognizable and catchy; you’ll most likely find yourself humming it tomorrow :) Check it out:

I’m brushin’ all my teeth to keep them clean,
Nice and white, not yellow or green.
I brush them in the morning, noon, and night,
This is how I do it right.

First I get my toothbrush nice and wet,
Squeeze the toothpaste and then I’m all set.
Now I’ll put my toothbrush in my mouth,
Brush east and west, and north and south.

Brushin’ up and down and side to side,
Keep my mouth open nice and wide.
Don’t forget my tongue, I’ll clean it now,
Brushin’ is easy when I now how.

Last I’ll rinse my toothbrush and put it up,
Take a sip of water from a cup.
Rinse my mouth, and now I’m done,
Brushin’ my teeth is so much fun!

This is the Way We Wash Our Hands

by | Uncategorized

Another essential self-care skill: hand washing. The lyrics are repetitive, making it easy to learn and fun to sing. All while the child learns how to correctly wash his or her hands! That is my goal: to make learning enjoyable, so that it doesn’t feel like learning. Here’s the song:

This is the way we wash our hands,
When our hands are dirty we wash our hands,
After we use the bathroom we wash our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.

First turn on the faucet with our hands,
Then put the soap in our hands,
Rub the soap all over, in our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.

Wash the tops of our hands,
Wash the palms of our hands,
Wash between the fingers on our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.

Next rinse off the soap from our hands,
Then turn off the faucet with our hands,
Use a paper towel to dry our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.

This is the way we wash our hands,
When our hands are dirty we wash our hands,
After we use the bathroom we wash our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.

To The Bathroom I Go

by | Uncategorized

This week I’m featuring a three-part series on self-care songs. I receive requests from teachers all the time for songs about using the bathroom, keeping clean, and other related topics, so I thought I’d share them with you. So here goes Part One:

Potty-training. It’s not a fun job, but it has to be done. This simple song is set to a familiar tune and uses repetitive lyrics to deliver step-by-step instructions for using the potty. Take a listen:

I have to go to the bathroom,
I have to go to the bathroom,
I have to go to the bathroom,
So that is where I’ll go!

I’ll shut the door to the bathroom,
Pull down my pants in the bathroom,
Sit down on the toilet and that is when
I’ll let it all come out!

I’ll let it all come out, I’ll let it all come out.
I’ll let it come out in the toilet,
And keep my pants all dry!

I’ll take some toilet paper,
I’ll take some toilet paper,
I’ll take some toilet paper,
And wipe from front to back!

Put the paper in the toilet,
Put the paper in the toilet,
Put the paper in the toilet,
And flush it all away!

Then I’ll pull up my pants, and wash my hands all clean.
I’ll wash my hands when I’m finished,
And now I can leave!