Category Archives: Children’s Song
Spiders!
“”Come into my parlor!” said the spider to the fly!” Many of the littles in Kindergarten struggle with bravery at this time of the year as even the first peal of shivery music of the season can send them over the edge! Since I want music to be FUN and not TERRIFYING, I begin our Silly Scary unit with familiar …
A Little Mice Scarin’
I love this time of year in my classroom because it signals the beginning of a delightful string of holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas! The music of Halloween is especially fun….the interesting melodies and shivery themes provide wonderful opportunities to explore and experience music in delightful new ways and to develop the young voice. My version of Up, Down, All …
The Muffin Man
Here’s a fun little game I made up several years ago for Do You Know the Muffin Man. It is a great way to end class when you have a few extra minutes. I made my wee 1-1/2″ Muffin Man from a Kid Counter I bought at Lakeshore but of course, you can use any little …
For The Birds!
I remind my children to keep their eyes open for all sorts of treasures in the Spring…especially in the bird department! Nest building, egg laying, bird babies, you name it…..it all happens in the Spring! We sing ‘lots of bird songs to commemorate the season. My very favorite of all bird songs is Bluebird Through …
Ol’ Mister Rabbit
Ol’ Mister Rabbit is a long time folk favorite and can be found in many versions. I’m sharing my version of the singing game taught by Mary Neely Stevens of the Kodaly Institute of Houston 2012. A great way to prepare low la, Ol’ Mister Rabbit also provides a wonderful opportunity for simple Orff accompaniment and improvisation.My daughter, Victoria, a 2nd …
Spring Has Sprung!
I love this time of year! The longer, warmer days….life popping out everywhere….it is exciting! Here are a few YouTube videos I’ve been using this week to celebrate the season! This precious little video that captures the joy of using song to express the exuberance of spring. Enjoy! This is a movie I made from …
Shamrocks For Luck!
Top of the mornin’ to ye! Don’t pinch me…I’m not Irish….but I do have some lucky four leaf clovers for you. Shamrocks For Luck– This little St. Paddy version of Are You Sleeping comes from my wonderful professor, Dr. William T. Young, at Stephen F. Austin State University.It can be performed as a round or as …
Boot Scootin’
Listen here…… I’m a real fan of square dancing! You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t (and shouldn’t) take the country out of the girl! And, even though it sometimes feels like wrangling cows, I love teaching square dancing to my students who, not surprisingly, end up loving it as …
It’s Rodeo Time!
Howdy from Texas, and this time, I really mean “Howdy!” It’s rodeo time in Houston and at my school, we always celebrate all the hoop-la with cowboy songs and square dancing. Western music is fun and perfect fodder for programs, so head on out on the trail as I share some of our favorite activities! …
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Howdy from Texas and welcome to my very first blog post; from my classroom to yours! I am excited to share what we have been working on. Valentine’s Day is a favorite of mine….I LOVE everything about it especially the opportunity to develop the concept of friendship and loving each other. After all, what the …
Deborah K. Oakes 