It’s Listen & Learn’s birthday, but YOU’RE getting the presents.
My baby is hitting double digits! It’s hard to believe that this little website I started as a brand-new music therapist is still going strong 10 years later. Recording the songs, creating the materials, and writing the blog posts that fill up these pages brings me SO much joy, but what fills me up even more is knowing that they are benefiting YOU.
YOU are the reason that Listen & Learn Music is still alive and well today, and YOU are the reason I’ll be celebrating another 10 years in 2028. Every email and comment I receive detailing how a song was brought to life in a classroom or music therapy session, and how it helped a child to learn a new skill, provides the motivation to make this an even more valuable resource for you.
To properly thank you for your support, I want to give you a gift for every year of Listen & Learn Music. Starting September 1, I’ll be sharing one of my favorite resources with you from the L&L collection each day in yearly chronological order, all the way through September 10.
Our Biggest Giveaway Ever
And last, but not least, I hope you’ll participate in the GIVEAWAY I’m doing on September 10! One extremely lucky winner will receive a LIFETIME VIP MEMBERSHIP to Listen & Learn Plus, including all current and future CMTE courses.
All you have to do is help me celebrate by:
1) following Listen & Learn Music on Instagram
2) Creating a post about how you’ve used a L&L resource, or just simply sending a birthday wish
3) Tagging @listenlearnmusic on your post
4) Using the hashtag #listenlearnmusicturns10
Feel free to save and post this image and use the caption:
Wishing @listenlearnmusic a very happy 10th birthday! I’m joining in the celebration and hoping to win a lifetime VIP membership to Listen & Learn Plus! #listenlearnmusicturns10
Follow the steps above to enter as many times as you’d like between September 1 – 10.
Start from the beginning.
Each day, I’m writing a blog post recapping each year of Listen & Learn Music and announcing the resource gift for that day.
If you’ve entered your name and email address above, you’ll receive these directly to your inbox, and you’ll also have access to them (along with other cool stuff) inside the private Facebook group.
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More from Listen & Learn Music
Shaky Fruit
These fruit shakers are the latest addition to my studio’s instrument collection, and I think I’m in love! They’re extremely realistic in appearance, so my students have been surprised to find that they are actually instruments. Once they start shaking, it’s hard to get them to stop.
I wrote a little tune dedicated especially to fruit shakers, cleverly and creatively titled “Shaky Fruit” (well, maybe predictably and unoriginally is more like it). Either way, it’s a fun song. Listen for yourself:
Doot-doot-do-doot, shaky fruit,
Apple orange, lemon and banana.
Doot-doot-do-doot, shaky fruit,
From Mississippi to Indiana.
Shaky apple, shaky apple,
Red and crunchy too.
Shaky apple, shaky apple,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.
CHORUS
Shaky orange, shaky orange,
Round and juicy too.
Shaky orange, shaky orange,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.
CHORUS
Shaky lemon, shaky lemon,
Yellow and sour too.
Shaky lemon, shaky lemon,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.
CHORUS
Shaky banana, shaky banana,
Yellow and tasty too.
Shaky banana, shaky banana,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.
CHORUS
I apologize in advance if you find yourself humming it over and over all day, as I’ve been doing for the last week or so! I’m already brainstorming for a song about veggies, which I’ll write after I purchase the vegetable shakers…
Today it is September
Can you believe it? I barely had time to get used to August, and it’s already over! It has felt like September for the last few days (seriously, 40-degree temps at night), but hopefully we’ll have at least a few more summery days before fall really sets in.
This is going to be one busy month…my calendar is almost full and it’s only day #1. I have several performances lined up, the start of Church Mice, a big event at the Hope Institute, and lots more to look forward to. Bring it on, September!
If you’re a regular reader, then you know that I begin each month with a song all about that particular month. Since Listen & Learn made its debut almost a year ago, I have already shared my “September” song. You can refresh your memory by listening to it here. So today, in the spirit of all things fall, we’re counting apples!
Counting time, it’s counting time,
So let’s all sing this simple rhyme.
Ten little apples in a row,
Now let’s count them nice and slow:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Again!
1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
How many apples?
10 little apples,
All lined up in a row!
How are you welcoming the new month? Do you have your own September song? I’m off to go refresh my own memory (it’s been a while since I’ve sung it!) before my first class. Have a fantastic Tuesday!
Click, Clack!
Wow, has it been a busy week! Between the students at the Hope Institute returning to the classroom and long rehearsals every night for Guys & Dolls, I was ready for a weekend-long nap. I didn’t have that luxury, though; there were four performances and lots of work to be done, instead. It was exhausting, but here I am on Monday morning, ready for a brand new week at school and the start of the fall session at my private studio this afternoon.
In addition to my classes at school last week, I was also able to write a couple new tunes in preparation for the coming month. The first is one meant to accompany my new instruments: castanets! I purchased them through Musician’s Friend (see them here) and I think they are going to be a hit. Hopefully the song will be, too!
Click, clack, clack, click,
Move your fingers oh so quick.
Click, clack is the sound you get
When you play the castanet.
Left hand, click, clack,
Up and down and forth and back.
Left hand, open and close,
Click clack is how it goes.
CHORUS
Right hand, click, clack,
Up and down and forth and back.
Right hand, open and close,
Click clack is how it goes.
CHORUS
Both hands, click, clack,
Up and down and forth and back.
Both hands, open and close,
Click clack is how it goes.
CHORUS
For many of my students, the concept of left and right is very foreign and not yet within their grasp, but it’s never too early to start working on it. Listen to and read about another song I wrote on this very subject here.
I have more new songs in the hopper, so make sure to come back tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy your Monday! Oh, and the last day of August…can you even believe it??
A New Way to Say Goodbye
When I introduced a brand-new goodbye song in one of my classes this morning, I was met with mixed emotions…from the staff! The students seemed to respond very positively to the new tune, while several of my coworkers didn’t hide their disappointment that I strayed from the usual goodbye song. They were good sports, though, and were quick to adapt and sing along. I’m lucky to have classroom staff that are so supportive of the music therapy program :)
Like the hello song I discussed yesterday, today’s goodbye song replaces several old standbys that have passed their prime. See what you think:
It’s time for me to go, oh, oh, oh,
Music is over for today.
It’s time for me to go, oh, oh, oh,
So tell me, what do we say?
Goodbye, goodbye,
Farewell, and so long.
Goodbye, goodbye,
This is the goodbye song.
Wish I could stay, hey, hey, hey,
But I’m afraid our time is through.
Wish I could stay, hey, hey, hey,
But I have to sing goodbye to you.
Goodbye, goodbye,
Farewell, and so long.
Goodbye, goodbye,
This is the goodbye song.
And now I must say goodbye to YOU, because it is my bedtime! Now that school is back in session, I find that I need an extra hour or so of sleep in order to keep my energy up all day long. My job is extremely gratifying, but it is also extremely exhausting!
Time to Sing Hello
The students have returned! Today is the official start of the school year, and I’ve already had music therapy with two classes. It was so much fun seeing all of the kids after an entire summer away, and for the most part, they were happy to see me, too.
I was excited to introduce some new tunes, including a brand-new hello song. I had been rotating the same few for the last two years, and though the students and staff liked them, it was time for a change. This is what I came up with:
Hands clap,
Feet tap,
It’s time to sing hello.
To you and you and you and you
All of the people that we know.
So let’s all come together,
And sing out big and strong.
Let’s have a good time in music,
While we dance and play along.
Sit up tall,
Let’s have a ball.
It’s time to sing hello.
To you and you and you and you
All of the people that we know.
Hello everybody, hello.
Hello everybody, hello.
Hello everybody, hello.
Music has begun!
Introducing new songs and activities is always a challenge with some of our students, but so far, they’ve all responded very positively. Hopefully that will continue to be the case as I visit all of the remaining classes this week!
Yummy Summer
Back in July, I held a contest over at Listen & Learn Plus! which involved subscribers coming up with topics for fun summer songs. The second winner is Rebecca, and this was her idea:
“There are so many foods that seem to be best eaten in the summer at picnics, cookouts, and pool parties. What about a song dedicated to summer munchies?”
Rebecca won a Custom CD for her topic idea. This is the song I’ve come up with using her great suggestions. Hope you like it!
In the summer, there’s so much yummy food to eat.
For breakfast, lunch and dinner or a tasty treat.
When the weather is warm, my belly is full
The only thing that’s empty is the plate or bowl!
Watermelon, the fruit that’s green and pink,
Is best when eaten over the sink.
Because it’s juicy and sticky, and oh so sweet,
Watermelon is a yummy summer treat.
CHORUS
Salad is green and made of lettuce, it’s true.
A healthy food to eat for lunch, and you
Can top it with chicken or cheese, and then
The dressing comes last so go on and pour it in.
CHORUS
Corn on the cob is yellow with a crunch,
It’s my favorite vegetable of the bunch.
Cook it on the grill and season it, too.
Corn on the cob is a food that’s good for you.
CHORUS
Ice cream comes in every color you see,
One scoop for you, and one for me.
Eat it for a snack when the sun is hot,
Oh my, my, I like ice cream a whole lot.
On the Disney Channel
A while back, I mentioned a contest going on over at Listen & Learn Plus! which involved subscribers coming up with topics for fun summer songs. The first winner is Alison, and this was her idea:
“I have been thinking that for a lot of my kids it would be really cool to come up with a song about all of the different Disney shows. I have a lot of older kids who like Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, Camp Rock, etc. I think they would get a kick out of a NEW song about all of those different popular shows combined instead of just singing theme songs from each. The same could apply for my younger kids with cartoons; Dora, Diego, The Wiggles, Spongebob are just a few of their favorites. Plus coming up with visual aids should be easy enough!”
Alison won a Custom CD for her topic idea. This is the song I’ve come up with using her great suggestions.
Oh-oh, I turned on the Disney channel
And what did I see?
Hannah Montana was performing just for me.
Miley Cyrus plays the part,
And I can sing “The Best of Both Worlds” by heart,
Disney, doo-doot-doo, I love you!
Oh-oh, I turned on the Disney channel
And what did I see?
The Jonas Brothers were singing a song to me.
I watched Camp Rock and saw their show,
Starring Kevin, Nick and Joe,
Disney, doo-doot-doo, I love you!
Oh-oh, I turned on the Disney channel
And what did I see?
The Suite Life was playing in front of me.
Zach and Cody, what a pair,
Are so cool with their long hair,
Disney, doo-doot-doo, I love you!
Oh-oh, I turned on the Disney channel
And what did I see?
The Wizards of Waverly Place were casting a spell on me.
Selena Gomez plays the role
Of Alex in this awesome show,
Disney, doo-doot-doo, I love you!
Oh-oh, I turned on the Disney channel
And what did I see?
Sonny With a Chance was entertaining me.
Demi Lovato is the star
And we all know she’s going far,
Disney, doo-doot-doo, I love you!
If your child or student has another favorite Disney show, this song can be easily adapted to include it. And Alison is right – making the visual aides to accompany the tune would be a snap.
You probably noticed that my audio player has changed…for the better! Now you can not only listen to the entire song, but you can share it with others or download it for yourself. It will take some time to have all my songs switched to the new format, but I’m working on it. In the meantime, have a wonderful Tuesday!
August Already?
Why is it that the winter months seem to last forever, while the summer flies by and is over in the blink of an eye? I know it’s not over yet, but as soon as August hits, I’m reminded that these lazy days are dwindling. Not that my summer has been lazy; actually, quite the opposite is true. But the sunshine and warm temps make life a little easier, no matter what is going on.
Well as you know, with each new month comes a song, and August is no exception. Here’s a tune to celebrate month number eight; take a listen:
Hot and sunny days are here,
And the end of the summer is near.
August is month number eight
And all thirty one days are great.
We’ll take a break from school days,
Everyone swims and plays.
Summer will be leaving soon,
So we sing this happy tune:
CHORUS
Time to get ready for the school year,
But there’s nothing for us to fear.
Class is fun and we learn a lot,
And in case you forgot:
CHORUS
Let’s pack up our book bags
And greet our teachers and friends.
Soon enough it will be fall,
But until the summer ends:
CHORUS
Last year around this time, I was knee-deep in wedding plans, parties, and other related celebrations. I have a feeling this August will be a bit more calm in comparison :) We are celebrating our one-year anniversary next weekend in St. Louis, so I’ll have that to look forward to as I jump right into another work week. Enjoy your Sunday evening!
Ten Little Suns
I know I’m always complaining about our crazy midwest weather, but in these last few days, I haven’t had much to complain about. We had a beautiful weekend with temperatures in the low 80s, and of course, lots of sunshine. All of these sunny days got me thinking that it is time to do a little counting…summer style!
Counting time, it’s counting time,
So let’s all sing this simple rhyme.
Ten little suns in a row,
Now let’s count them nice and slow:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Again!
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
How many suns?
Ten little suns.
All lined up in a row!
I’ve been so busy this summer that I haven’t taken complete advantage of the summer sun; I wish I could stockpile a few days for the winter months, when I really need them :) August will be here before we know it – go out and enjoy the last few days of July!
Learning Left and Right
This concept is just plain hard. I struggled with this as a young child, and even today when giving someone directions, I have to stop and think before I decide whether it’s a left or right turn. Maybe this is due to the fact that I am left-handed; us lefties have it rough ;) It’s hard to explain left and right to a child, so in this song I describe the same method I used so long ago:
The sky is up,
The ground is down,
But if you take a look around
There are other ways to go,
Left and right are what you need to know.
Hold up your hands
And reach your fingers to the sky,
Point your thumbs in,
Do you wanna know why?
Well the hand that makes an L
Is the left one.
The other is the right,
And now you’re halfway done.
Stretch your arms to your sides
As far as they can go.
Look at your left hand
And you will know,
That this way is left,
And the other way is right,
You are learning your directions,
And that is outta sight!
Do you have a better way for teaching left or right? If so, please share! You can never have enough tools in the box when it comes to teaching skills like this one.
Ten and Back
I know I just posted a counting song yesterday, but you can never have too many…right? This one focuses on counting to ten and back. Many of my students don’t have much difficulty with the first part, but most of them struggle when it comes to counting backwards.
It’s time for a ten and back counting song
And I’d love it if you’d help me sing along.
It’s easy and fun, beginning with one,
Now let’s all give it a try:
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine,
Ten is the end – let’s go backwards, my friend,
Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one,
We’ve counted to ten and back so now we’re done.
It’s time for a ten and back counting song
And I’d love it if you’d help me sing along.
It’s easy and fun, beginning with one,
Now let’s give it another try:
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine,
Ten is the end – let’s go backwards, my friend,
Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one,
We’ve counted to ten and back so now we’re done.
There’s nothing like a new counting song to kick off a Monday morning :) I’m feeling a little groggy on this particular one, despite an early workout and a cup of coffee sitting next to me. Hopefully I’ll feel a little more awake by the time my first student arrives. Have a great day!
Count by Five Jive
As I was going through my computer files this weekend – I’m running out of room on my hard drive and need to do some purging – I came across a folder of songs I wrote during my internship. I couldn’t believe I’d let these songs go unused for the past two years, so I immediately rescued, reworked, and recorded them.
The first song I’m going to share is called “Count by Five Jive”. I remember using this song with a little boy named Alex who was working on this particular skill at the time. It goes like this:
When you want to count by five,
Just sing the words to this jazzy jive.
Start at five instead of one
Count to one-hundred, and then your done.
Five, Ten, Fifteen, Twenty,
Twenty-five, Thirty, Thirty-five, Forty,
Forty-five, Fifty, Fifty-five, Sixty,
Sixty-five, Seventy, Seventy-five, Eighty,
Eighty-five, Ninety, Ninety-five, One-hundred.
It’s not so hard to count by five
When you know this jazzy jive.
Now we’ll end our clever rhyme
By counting by five just one more time.
I found several counting songs, actually, and I’ll be sharing them over the next few days. Another fun file I came across in my internship folder was the journal I kept for the entire nine months. It was so interesting to read the first few entries, which really brought back memories of how nervous and excited I was to be actually practicing music therapy.
The funny thing is that even now, three years later, I still get that nervous and excited feeling with each new client. Every child is different and presents his or her own unique challenges. I love that this job constantly keeps me on my toes and forces the creative juices to flow 24/7.
Cabasa is Boss
I’ve been neglecting this little beauty, otherwise known as the cabasa, since I purchased it back in early June. I really wanted to use it; I just never got around to it. Well I decided this week that it is time to put my newest instrument to good use, and I figured I may as well write a song about it, too.
Twist, twist, use your wrist,
That’s how you play the cabasa.
Twist, twist, use your wrist,
And play the cabasa for the whole wide world to hear.
The cabasa was born in Africa
Before it came to the USA
The cabasa’s a percussion instrument
And you’re playing it today.
Now pass it to your neighbor, that’s the way!
[REPEAT]
I’m going to try out this song this afternoon with one of my music therapy groups. The kids will sit in a circle, and I’ll have them take turns playing the cabasa and then pass it to their neighbor as indicated in the song. This is a great instrument not only because it sounds cool, but because it is visually and tactilely interesting. I am looking forward to seeing my students’ reactions today, because as far I know, they’ve never seen, heard or played a cabasa before. We’ll see how it goes!
Oh, one more thing. I want to give you an update on my Kickstarter project, which you can learn more about by reading my previous post.
In the first three days since launching my project, I’ve had five people pledge a total of $141, which is 7% of my $2,000 goal. Thank you to those of you who have pledged…and I’d like to invite everyone else to get on board, too. Listen & Learn Music has grown because of you, but it hasn’t reached its full potential yet. Let’s make it happen!
Counting Time: Fireworks
I know the Fourth of July has passed, but I decided to write this post anyway. After all, the holiday weekend isn’t over yet and next to celebrating our country’s independence and those who protect it, fireworks are a central feature of the Fourth. In fact, I can’t recall a single Independence Day when I didn’t attend at least one patriotic display. You can find them all over our city, from the park to downtown to neighbor’s front yards, and despite the inclement weather, this year was no exception.
I think fireworks deserve their own place in the “Counting Time” collection, and my students agree. We have been counting them for the last week or so, along with flags, suns and ice cream comes. You know the tune by now, so go ahead and sing along:
Counting time, it’s counting time,
So let’s all sing this simple rhyme.
Ten little fireworks in a row,
Now let’s count them nice and slow:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Again!
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
How many fireworks?
Ten little fireworks.
All lined up in a row!
Hope you had the chance to enjoy some fireworks in your neck of the woods, and that you have the opportunity to relax on this lazy Sunday (which is exactly what I’m doing). Bye for now!
Clap Your Hands ‘Cause it’s July!
Holy cow, already? It still feels as though summer is just getting started. Regardless, the beginning of July is one of the highlights of the summer, and the fun begins today with a brand-new song of the month. (Actually, I wrote it last July…but it’s new to you!)
Picnics, ice cream, apple pie,
Clap your hands ‘cause it’s July!
The seventh month of the year,
For thirty one days July is here.
Wave your flag, way up high,
Celebrate the fourth of July.
Let’s all wear red, white, and blue,
Fireworks for me and you!
CHORUS
Independence is the word,
Patriotic songs are heard.
Let’s join in and sing out loud,
For our country we are proud.
CHORUS
Summer’s coming to a peak,
It gets hotter every week.
Hear the crickets chirp at night,
Until the morning sun shines bright.
CHORUS
What are your plans for the 4th of July? And do you have any festive songs to go along with this patriotic holiday? If so, please share :) July is already off to a busy start for me – my best friend is coming to town today, I’m playing at a new venue on Friday, and of course, Saturday will be filled with food, fun, and fireworks. The perfect trifecta, if you ask me.
The Heat is On
I tell you what, us Midwesterners get the worst of both winter and summer weather; we’re experiencing the latter right about now. And to think — it’s only June! Luckily, I have the perfect song for such a time:
The sun is shining down from the sky,
Today it’s hot, hot, hot!
The temperature is up real high,
Today it’s hot, hot, hot!
Hot, hot, hot out there,
Sittin’ in the shade in a nice cool chair.
Hot, hot, hot out there,
Runnin’ through the sprinkler without a care.
We’re wearing sandals, and short-sleeved shirts,
Today it’s hot, hot, hot!
Boys wearing shorts, and girls wearing skirts,
Today it’s hot, hot, hot!
Hot, hot, hot out there,
Sippin’ lemonade through a plastic straw,
Hot, hot, hot out there,
Hummin’ a tune that goes “la la la la!”
This song perfectly describes a day like today. One of my piano students is having a birthday party this afternoon featuring water balloons and slip ‘n slides…I have a feeling that after walking the dog, I’ll wish I was at that party!
Summer has Arrived
Ahhh, summer! These three months are by far my favorite of the entire year, and I start counting down the days around, oh, February. I have so many wonderful summer memories: long, lazy days at the neighborhood pool with my friends, vacations with family, my beautiful August wedding last year…just to name a few. I’ve already begun making memories for Summer 2009, even though technically, it began just yesterday!
The song I wrote for this season is happy and chill, perfectly reflecting my feelings about summer. I hope you like it! Take a listen:
Do you know the warmest season of all?
It’s not winter, spring, or fall.
It comes in June and sticks around
Until September leaves are down on the ground.
It’s summer, it’s summer,
When the sun’s hot rays brighten all of our days.
It’s summer, it’s summer,
So jump in the pool to keep yourself cool,
While you sing this summertime tune.
June, July and August days are so long,
The sprinklers are going strong.
The grass needs water and so do we
So we’re healthy and we have energy.
CHORUS
Playing outside can be so much fun,
Unless you get burnt by the sun.
So wear your sunscreen, protect your skin,
‘Cause if you don’t, you’ll have to stay in.
CHORUS
I had to include the bit about sunscreen, especially after resisting it for so many years of my childhood. Now more than ever, it’s so important for children to be protected in the sun…but I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that! But back to the topic of music. I have an entire playlist on my iPod dedicated to the hottest days of the year. What are your favorite summertime tunes? Please do share!
Counting Time: Baseballs
There are a few things that really epitomize my favorite season (summer, of course) and one of them just happens to be baseball. I come from a long line of St. Louis Cardinals fans, and although I married a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, we are able to live in harmony thanks to our mutual love of the game :) But I digress. It’s counting time, and since America’s favorite pastime is at its peak right about now, we’re counting baseballs today. Batter up!
Counting time, it’s counting time,
So let’s all sing this simple rhyme.
Ten little baseballs in a row,
Now let’s count them nice and slow:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Again!
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
How many baseballs?
Ten little baseballs.
All lined up in a row!
I’ve been to a couple games so far this season, and hopefully there will be at least a few more before the summer’s end. In fact, I was invited to one of my students’ baseball games this evening. Just one of the many joys of summer…they are countless!
The Shakin’ Song
Yesterday as I was making plans for summer music therapy, I decided that I needed a new song to rock out to with shakers. Because you can never have enough of them, you know? I wanted something upbeat (obviously…we’re playing shakers here!) and fun; luckily this tune came pouring out.
Shakers are for shakin’,
Shakin’ right along,
This song is all about shakin’,
You might call it the shakin’ song.
Ba-doo-ba dop, dop, da dop dow,
Shake-a those shakers now!
We’re gonna shake shake shake
Like a puppy’s tail.
Side to side, it never fails
To shake the whole day through, ooh, ooh ohh!
Shakin’ like me and you.
CHORUS
We’re gonna shake shake shake
Like a scaredy-cat,
Who’s scared of this, and scared of that.
He shakes until he’s blue, ooh, ooh ohh!
Shakin’ like me and you.
CHORUS
We’re gonna shake shake shake
Like two hands that greet,
And say hello, it’s nice to meet,
‘Cause that’s the right thing to do, ooh, ooh ohh!
Shakin’ like me and you.
CHORUS
I had all kinds of ideas for how I was going to spend the weekend, but here it is, Saturday morning, and I’m right back in my office, blogging away. What can I say; I just can’t resist!
Colors in the Morning
It’s an absolutely beautiful Saturday morning; the sun is shining in the bright blue sky, which reminded me of a great song I’ve been waiting to post. A couple weeks ago, a reader named Jamie emailed me with a great idea for an activity he was planning for a group of kids (his own included). The song is based on Donovan’s “Colours”, whose lyrics he changed to focus on color identification.
Yellow is the color of the bright, bright sun,
In the morning, when I rise,
In the morning, when I rise,
That’s the time, that’s the time,
I love the best.
Blue is the color of the clear blue sky…
Green is the color of the dewy grass…
Purple is the color of the lilac bush…
Pink is the color of the flowers that bloom…
Red is the color of the cardinal bird…
Orange is the color of the butterfly…
He suggested the use of scarves for each color in the song, and then the thought occurred to me to make a poster with images for each item in the song, attachable with Velcro. Here is what I created:
I used half of a foamboard and covered it with colored construction paper. Then I attached Velcro (the prickly side) with a sticky back.
Here is the back of the images I made for each item in the song. I laminated each and attached Velcro (the fuzzy side) to the back.
The finished product. I added a verse about an ant (the color “black”) so that there would be enough colors for each child in my group.
Thanks, Jamie, for sharing this wonderful idea! I tried it with one of my groups at the Autism Program last week, and it went over really well. I can’t wait to do it again next week!
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