Action & Cummulative Songs
November 6th, 2007 by vincebates
Yesterday evening Kristin was singing with the our three children. They sang “If You’re Happy and You Know It” with a bit of a twist that I hadn’t thought of before: at the end of each verse they would repeat the action from the previous verse which resulted eventually in a long line of actions to remember (like “She’ll Be Comin’ Around the Mountain). The kids were choosing the actions and really having a good time. This would be a great song for elementary teachers, too. The other song was “Do as I’m Doing.”
Do as I’m doing. Follow, follow me. Do as I’m doing. Follow, follow me. I can do it high or low. I can do it fast or slow. (repeat the first line)
This song involves one child performing an action that the rest follow. It’s pretty simple, but engaging for children. A fun part is the high and low and fast and slow.
It is surprising to me that more elementary teachers don’t simply throw songs like these into their day with the children. Folk songs and dances are naturally engaging and enjoyable–viable reasons for including them even aside from their specific cognitive and social benefits.
Vince,
Incorporating songs into everyday curriculum is one of the fundamental practices of Montessori education; the songs (some are familiar to me, some seem made-up) really help kids learn and remember the lessons and observations they make during their work cycles.
You didn’t mention how old your children are, but you may want to consider a Montessori school in your area; ours also has a pre-primary program starting at 18 months.
All the best,
blkbeard