Sometimes parents feel a bit intimidated about singing to their young child. This wonderful post from music therapist, JoAnn Jordan emphasizes that you don’t have to “be perfect” but can focus on having fun with your child in simple ways that encourage both creativity and learning!
Across the United States many communities will host special events April 22-28, 2012 as part of Week of the Young Child™. The National Association for the Education of Young Children has set this year’s theme as ”Early Years are Learning Years.” Parents and other adults in regular contact with a child are their first teachers. Through caring, supportive relationships with adults providing face-to-face interactions the basic skills for learning are developed.
A 1998 position paper by the International Reading Association and the National Association for the Education of Young Children indicates infants and toddler benefit from:
1. Simple language paired with eye contact along with responses to a child’s vocalizations and physical responses.
2. Frequent opportunities for play and song.
3. Regular exposure to reading and books.
Music is one way you can support this development. Singing familiar songs easily supports simple language. Daria has a great collection of songs you can use. Once you have learned a song, sing without the recording. This allows you to change the speed (tempo), add opportunities for child to start a word or sound, and to change the lyrics.
Play can also be found in songs. Songs like “Ring Around the Rosie”, “Pop Goes the Weasel” and “The Holey Pokey” are just a few examples of game songs. For babies and toddlers there are games like peek-a-boo to which a song can be added. For example, the words to “Where is Thumbkin?” could easily be changed to:
Where is (insert child’s name)?
Where is (insert child’s name)?
There you are. There you are. (Remove the cover as you sing.)
I’m glad I found you. I’m glad I found you.
My dear child. My dear child.
There are many books based upon song lyrics such as “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Fiddle-I-Fee”. In addition, there are many books that can be sung. Lists of these books can be found on many sights including this post on Music Sparks.
Remember, perfection in singing is not required for your child to benefit for music. Rather, it is the face-to-face interaction that is key. Go ahead and add a little music to your speaking, playing and reading with your child. Music in these early learning years is fun.
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JoAnn Jordan is a board certified music therapist with over 25 years of experience. She specializes in working with preschoolers and older adults. Her passion is bringing these two age groups together with music experiences. To learn more about music therapy and to see some of JoAnn’s resources visit her site www.music2spark.com .
Take A Nature Walk/Make a Recycled Rattle!
Rattles from India made from palm fronds
Looking for some fun activities for April to celebrate Earth Day? This project combines getting outdoors, exploring nature and having some musical fun at the same time. Here’s what you need for this eco-friendly project that is just as easy and as much fun as a walk in the park!
Any see-through recycled container, preferably with a large “mouth” opening
Curious kids
Backyard, park, beach or other great natural place to walk
Sturdy tape (like electrical tape) for sealing the instrument when completed
Rattles made from gourds, seeds, feathers and a donkey's jawbone
ALL ABOUT RATTLES
Rattles are one of the simplest instruments to play and can be found around the world. They appear in different forms and are made of some really diverse materials. Take a look at some of the examples here. They can be made from dried gourds, seashells, clay, bark, coconuts, and a variety of other natural materials. Caixixi (pronounced “ka-she-she”) rattles from Africa are made from woven fiber. In India, there are rattles made from colored palm fronds woven together in clever patterns – as beautiful to see as they are to hear. On the coast area of Peru,
there’s rattle made from the jawbone of a donkey with the loose teeth making the vibrating sound. In short, people generally make instruments from materials that they have found in abundance near their home. We are going to take that same approach in creating recycled “nature walk” rattles!
Two recycled rattles with birdseed, craft materials and beads.
FIND YOUR CONTAINER!
Since most families probably don’t have coconuts in their front yard or gourds or palm leaves drying in their ceiling rafters – we’ll opt for materials that can be found in most homes – recycled containers. Start with a clean, clear, see-through container with a lid and you are ready to go!
While walking in your backyard or the park, look for items that might make a wonderful sound when placed inside your recycled container and shaken. You can stop by your bird feeder for a handful of sunflower seeds, look for pebbles, acorns or small twigs. Are there any small pine cones, dried berries or other seeds from plants you find? If you are passing by a stream, you’ll find smooth pebbles that the water has polished for you. By the shores of a pond or lake, you might find driftwood, shells from small fresh water clams or unoccupied snail shells. If you’re lucky, you might find a colorful feather or a unique rock to add, making your rattle truly special for you!
Did you find something you don’t recognize? If you’re in a larger park or have one nearby, stop and talk to the naturalist or some of the park rangers, staffers or volunteers on duty. They can often help you identify nuts, seeds, plants or other items found on your walk making this trip an educational exploration as well.
When you’ve finished adding items to your rattle, seal it with some sturdy tape, such as electrical tape. This helps keep the contents inside and generally makes it a safer activity for younger children. Then what? Then, it’s time to have fun! Play your rattle along with your favorite music. It will fit in with any music from slow and quiet to happy and upbeat – even wild and crazy tunes.
I particularly like to play my recycled rattle with music about the Earth or nature. Some of my favorite songs are below such as “We’ve Got The Whole World In Our Hands” and “Wild And Free”, about caring for dolphins, whales, manatees and creatures that live on the land as well. But my rattle has a particular favorite song that makes it dance with joy. It’s called: “Be Kind To Your Web Footed Friends”. Why?
Look closely and you’ll see that this rattle has a small mallard duck feather in it!
Best Songs For Babies And Toddlers: Kumbayah
No matter where you live, you’ve probably heard the song Kumbayah (or Kumbaya). It’s one of those classic folksongs that brings back memories of summer camp, bonfires, campfires or family reunions. And it’s incredibly easy to sing and make new for your family or children. The song starts with a chorus of the main phrase, “Kumbayah”, which means “Come By Here”. In fact, the first title of the song when it was published in 1936 was: “Come By Here”. After that, each verse tells a story that someone is crying, laughing, smiling, etc.
What a joy to sing a version of this simple song where you can act out what is in the song, or add new verses about what your child or someone in the family loves to do.
Someone’s riding on their bike today, Kumbayah.
Someone’s playing on their drum today, Kumbayah.
Someone’s dancing with their friends today, Kumbayah.
It’s wonderful to watch a child’s eyes light up as the song tells a story about them or someone they love. They quickly get the idea that they can help create songs and music and lyrics, too!
When I recorded this song, I had just finished working with the STOMP/PULSE program and had the honor of hearing some amazing percussionists from South Africa. Since the song is so well-known in it’s folksong or sing-around-the-campfire form, I put a different spin on it and created a version with a South African feel. You can check out the song and the video for it here:
Sometimes it’s the simplest songs that become childhood or family favorites. As a parent, you should feel free to play with other songs you remember and make them fresh and new again for your kids. What a great way to become part of the folk process and bring the magic of music into your child’s life at the same time!
-Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou
KUMBAYAH – DARIA’S NEW LYRICS
Song Lyrics Online
http://www.dariamusic.com/kumbayah.php
Downloadable Song Lyrics
http://www.dariamusic.com/docs/songs/Kumbayah%20Songbook.pdf
Daria’s Kumbayah on Itunes
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/beautiful-rainbow-world/id208109471
Daria’s Kumbayah on Amazon mp3
http://amzn.com/B0013XM8I0
KUMBAYAH – TRADITIONAL LYRICS
(as sung by Peter, Paul and Mary)
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya
Someone’s singing Lord, kumbaya
Someone’s laughing, Lord, kumbaya
Someone’s crying, Lord, kumbaya
Someone’s praying, Lord, kumbaya
Play A Washboard – With Your Child!
If you’re a parent with young children, you won’t be surprised to see that kids can be truly creative with the simplest items. A overturned pot becomes a drum, a scarf becomes a dancing kite, a box turns into a home for stuffed animals and a washboard can be used to make music!
Although a washboard is actually used to make music in the Cajun South of the USA and in some “old timey” Americana music, it’s a great informal instrument to get young kids started with music and playing with rhythm. If you have one around the house (or at the grandparent’s house) then clean it up and bring it out. You can also look for a good buy at a yard sale or – if all else fails- check out my craft below and you can make your own kid-size version. What’s next?
Your child can rub the ridges of the washboard with any kid-safe item you find. My favorites are spoons, wooden spoons, plastic spoons, plastic forks/sporks, plastic comb, hair pick or an egg whisk. I’ve also heard from a wonderful music therapist who directs a program called Magic Music Time. Magic Mary; who gets to play music with almost 200 children a week, shares her ideas for wonderful washboard play: “ Besides the thimble we used a paintbrush, small roll of tape, library card, toothbrush, softball, pencil, marker, plastic spoon, hair clip, empty water bottle, butter tub lid, tassel and soft sponge. The kids are fascinated with the different sounds! Sometimes, I put the items in a surprise bag and made up a little chant for each child to choose their item. They also listen to the sound it makes and tell us loud or soft.”
So how can you play with your washboard at home? You can show your child how to rub up and down, down and up or create patterns with how they brush an item up against the ridges of the washboard. If you love to sing, you can pick a favorite song and your child plays along. Or trade places and you can keep a beat while your child sings. You can put on some lively music and play along. You can talk about whether the music is fast or slow or loud or soft and how you might like to play along. Or you can try some of the great props listed above for different sounds.
One the best parts of homemade music play is that there is no “wrong way” to do it. Let your child get creative and you may not only strike up a band but also a life-long love of music and creative play! At the very least, you’ll have a musically magical day!
HEAR A WASHBOARD
http://www.dariamusic.com/washboard.php
HEAR A WASHBOARD SONG
http://www.dariamusic.com/washboard.php
MAKE YOUR OWN washboard craft
http://www.dariamusic.com/make_Washboard.php
About Magic Mary and Magic Music Time
“I’ve been in Early Childhood Education for over 25 years. I’m currently the owner and Director of “Magic Music Time” and also lead Professional Development Trainings for Teachers and Directors.
All of the props we use at “MAGIC MUSIC TIME” are made from recycled materials that the children can find easily in their homes. The props takes the focus off the children and persuade them to participate.
The “Magic” is…There are no wrong ways to move, only right ways so each child can feel successful.”
Over the past few years, I’ve been really proud to work together with WonderBaby.org to add some fun musical resources to their great site. Recently merged with Perkins School for the Blind, Wonderbaby.org is an incredibly helpful website packed with resources for parents whose infant or toddler may be facing a variety of health challenges including vision problems or other developmental issues. If this description fits your family or someone you know, music may be a wonderful tool to soothe, relax. heal, and create a deeper connection for both the baby or toddler and the rest of the family as well.
Some of the articles published so far show how to make an “ocean drum” that mimics the calming sound of the seaside surf. There are easy instructions for recycled rattles, jingle bells, a box drum, a Chinese style gong, a little “cajita” box and much more. All of these simple, musical activities provide great ways for both parents and children to use music as an aid for relaxation or sleeping or as a tool for self expression, sharing enthusiasm or just plain getting silly! All of which is incredibly healthy for body, mind and spirit!
A complete list of musical articles currently in WONDERBABY and their links are listed below:
ARTICLES ON MUSIC:
When is the right time to introduce your infant or young child to music?
http://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/babies-music
Using Music To Connect The Generations
http://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/grandchildren-music
ARTICLES ON MAKING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS:
http://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/shake-rattle-roll-recycled-rattles
http://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/drum-sounds-sea
http://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/jingle-bells
http://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/make-your-own-gong
http://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/cajita
http://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/make-your-own-sistrum
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Do you have a WonderBaby? If so, take the time to explore this great site. You’ll find reviews, resources, questions/answers, give-aways, unique toys, articles on play, music articles as well as a genuine sense of community.
Visit WonderBaby at: www.wonderbaby.org
A Baby’s Musical World
Guest Post by Music Educator, Leslie Denning of Music With Miss Leslie
As an early childhood music educator, I’ve often gotten looks that range from shock to incredulity when I ask parents if they would be interested in music for their babies. I know that in their minds, they see a baby sitting down at the piano and learning to play. Impossible! they say. And they are right. However, that’s not what music education for babies is all about.
Research into early childhood music education has uncovered some interesting things about babies in music, such as:
- Babies seem to remember and respond to music they hear in utero
- Babies seem to be born with the ability to feel a beat
- Music is one of the seven intelligences, which also includes linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligences
There is a lot more going on in a baby’s musical world than meets the eye.
Most mommies and daddies are ecstatic over their newborns and are anxious to do whatever they can to maximize their baby’s potential. There is an often bewildering array of educational toys, electronic devices, books, DVDs, and CDs aimed at helping parents help their children. However, sometimes the simplest things can be the most meaningful to children. Children are usually happier to play with a box, rather than what came in it. And what do you think your baby will value more: a Bose CD player or a loving mommy or daddy cradling him in their arms, looking into their eyes, and singing a song?
There a lot of products that are marketed to be played to babies, when what babies need is for parents to cuddle, play, and interact with them. One of the greatest satisfactions I have had as an early childhood music teacher is to see the joy that comes between parent and child when they make music together – simple music that reaches down to the child and reflects back to the parent. Taking the time to make music with your baby will give enormous benefits to both of you.
Guest post by Leslie Denning, better known as Miss Leslie, is a Missouri-certified music educator, Musikgarten-certified instructor, and owner of her own music studio in Dixon, MO, Second Street Music Academy http://secondstreetmusic.com where she teaches private piano, guitar, and voice lessons to children and adults. She also has an online store Music with Miss Leslie.net http://musicwithmissleslie.net which specializes in quality music merchandise for younger children. You may find out more about her, as well as find music education articles and activities, at Music with Miss Leslie.com http://musicwithmissleslie.com
Do Your Ears Hang Low?
Do your ears hang low? Have you checked lately?
This is one of those wonderfully funny songs that draw a smile from babies, toddler, moms, dads and grandparents alike! It’s often listed as a kids song, a folk song, a summer camp song, a scout song and also as a song that is accompanied by hand motions and all of these are true!
While it’s related in lyrics and melody to the famous fiddle tune “Turkey In The Straw”, no one really knows who wrote it and the song has certainly been handed down to so many people that a variety of different versions have survived. You can look below for a version that I like to sing and also one that Wikipedia lists as alternate lyrics.
How do you do the hand movements? They are really easy. Check out the link below to see the guitar chords and hand movements explained. Or download the free sheet music. Or download my free mp3 of this song from that great kids song resource – Kiddiddles.
So, go ahead. Get silly. And let your kids see you getting silly! Challenge them to learn the hand movements – they will probably master them before you! Just one warning here – it may not be a good idea to sing this song while you have a cold. Have you guessed why? If not, check verse five below and get ready to catch some run-away appendages!
Hear Daria’s version on Kiddiddles here:
http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/d104.html
Do Your Ears Hang Low?
On Itunes
Do Your Ears Hang Low?
On Amazon mp3
Do Your Ears Hang Low Lyrics, Sheet Music and Misc.
Printable lyric Sheet
Free Sheet Music For Piano
Hand Motions
More Silly Songs from Daria’s website:
http://www.dariamusic.com/sillysongs.php
DO YOUR EARS HANG LOW?
Do your ears hang low?
Do they wobble to and fro?
Can you tie them in a knot?
Can you tie them in a bow ?
Can you throw them over your shoulder?
Like a continental soldier?
Do your ears hang low?
Do your ears flip flop?
Can you use them for a mop?
Are they stringy at the bottom?
Are they curly at the top?
Can you use them for a swatter?
Can you use them for a blotter?
Do your ears flip flop?
Do your ears hang high?
Do they reach up to the sky?
Do they droop when they’re wet
Do they stiffen when they’re dry?
Can you semaphore your neighbor
With a minimum of labor?
Do your ears hang high?
Do your ears hang wide?
Do they flap from side to side?
Do they wave in the breeze
With the slightest little sneeze?
Can you soar above the nation?
With a feeling of elation?
Do your ears hang wide?
Do your ears fall off?
Does it happen when you cough?
Do they lie there on the ground?
Or bounce around at every sound?
Can you stick them in your pocket
Like a little Davey Crockett?
Do your ears fall off?
Wikipedia lists this as another set of verses:
Do your ears hang low?
Do they wobble to and fro?
Can you tie ‘em in a knot?
Can you tie ‘em in a bow?
Can you throw ‘em o’er your shoulder
Like a regimental (or continental) soldier
Do your ears hang low?
Do your ears stand high?
Do they reach up to the sky?
Do they droop when they are wet?
Do they stiffen when they’re dry?
Can you semaphore your neighbor
With a minimum of labor?
Do your ears stand high?
Do your ears flip-flop?
Can you use them as a mop?
Are they stringy at the bottom?
Are they curly at the top?
Can you use them for a swatter?
Can you use them for a blotter?
Do your ears flip-flop?
Do your ears stick out?
Can you waggle them about?
Can you flap them up and down
As you fly around the town?
Can you shut them up for sure
When you hear an awful bore?
Do your ears stick out?
