When I was about 3 years old, I had a Sunday School teacher, Fern Peterson, who always told us flannel board stories. I loved her and all her stories.
Turns out, flannel board stories still work! I know this because, well, I tell a lot of them and kids are super, duper engaged.
For many years, I had a standard flannel board that I would use and it worked just fine. But then, one of my teachers made me a FLANNEL BOARD BOX!
I haven’t looked back. This thing is so snazzy! It allows me to be mobile at circle time and not stuck to one spot like by the book shelf where the flannel board has been glued.
With my mobile flannel board, if (ok, when) my friends start fooling around on the other side of the circle during the flannel board activity, no worries, I just stand up and move my body and the STORY.NEVER.STOPS!
I also love how it acts as a spot to store my flannels. I keep mine in separate ziplocks inside the box for activities I am currently doing at circle time. That means I always have my materials ready and waiting. When it’s time to start a flannel board activity, I simply reach for the box, open it up, and pull out the activity I am looking for.
This ways it keeps little hands out of my materials and older kiddos don’t get a sneak peek of what’s in store for them.
I’d love for you to have your very own flannel board box, so let’s get on to the directions:
Measure your piece of flannel to fit the front panel of the box. Mine was 12 x 12 and I am guessing that is pretty standard.
Glue the backside of the flannel. Make sure to get both the middle part of the flannel and the edges glued down well. You don’t want this stuff coming off during a super fun flannel story!
I have been wanting for so long to help teachers move from using CDs in their classrooms to using digital tracks. I have seen far too many teachers struggling to keep all of their CDs organized and it’s just not worth the stress.
I can prove right off the bat that my reasoning for getting you to go digital is truly from the heart because the CDs are actually more expensive than the digital downloads..
Note: If you’ve purchased a CD or 2 from me and want the digital version, simply email me a picture of your CD and I’ll send you the link to the digital album for free!
If you are already using digital music in your classroom, awesome! I’m sure you’ve felt the ease of moving from one song to another without flipping through 50 CDs to find the one you want.
If you haven’t made the jump, it’s time and I’m giving you 3 Reasons Why Preschool Teachers Shouldn’t Use CDs
1. Short Attention Spans
When it’s circle time, you are on the clock. The attention span clock that is. Your little ones expect you to move quickly and keep their full attention the entire time or they are out.
I know, kind of disrespectful, but it is completely developmentally appropriate.
That’s why when you are ready to turn on a tune, you need it at your finger tips so you can start it immediately! That’s where digital music comes in super handy.
2. Makes Lesson Planning Easier
Every month in music I have a different theme. I love this because it keeps my teaching fresh for both the children and for me.
This month it’s “All About Me”. I had taught this unit last year so I had all of the music on my phone in a playlist called, you guessed it, “All About Me”.
Since all the songs were there, I just had to print my lessons plans, gather the materials, and I was ready to teach.
If I hadn’t had my music digital and organized into a playlist, I would have had to find all of the CDs (because you know the songs are never on the same CD – ever!) or find the CD I burned from last year that got so scratched and of course won’t play, ugh! I’ll stick with digital every time.
3. Organized Songs
Last but not least, I like to categorize my songs. I have taken all of my digital recordings and organized them into playlists for movement songs, listening songs, instrument play etc.
When there are just a few minutes left in class and I need a quick activity not on my current playlist, I go to the playlist that best fits the bill. I quickly choose the song and I’m in business. If I were still using CDs I can pretty much tell you what would have happened. I most likely wouldn’t be able to find the CD that had the song I was wanting fast enough. In the meantime the kids would be dog piling on the floor behind me while I frantically searched. Instead, the song is on in a flash and everyone is engaged and having fun – including me.
So there you have it, 3 reasons why I love using digital tracks. If you are ready to make the change, I have a little gift for you. Get one of our digital songs for circle time FREE!
Welcome to December! This month in our music classes, it is all about the Nutcracker. Every year we choose this theme because it is a classic tale with AMAZING music! Plus kids LOVE it.
I can’t wait to share one of my favorite activities from our month of the Nutcracker below. If you end up teaching it, let me know how it goes!
March of the Toy Soldiers Movement Activity
The first movement song we always teach when sharing the Nutcracker is “March of the Toy Soldiers”. Its repetitive form makes it easy to create a purposeful movement experience and often times there are children who immediately recognize the tune!
If you don’t plan to read the Nutcracker story to your class, The March of the Toy Soldiers Movement Activity is still a festive one to add to the list.
Prep: Follow the directions on page 4 of the listening map
How to teach:
1. Have children gather on the carpet. Show the listening map and explain that there are several characters in the song they will hear below. Turn on the music and have them listen to each character’s special sound.
The Nutcracker who “marches”
The Mouse King who “tiptoes”
The Man with the eyepatch who makes everyone “freeze” when his music is played
The Sugarplum Fairy who has everyone “twirl” when her music is played.
2. Next have children stand up. Turn on the music and hold up the card with the character whose music is playing. You can have children choose to be one of the four characters, but I’ve found my kids want to play all the parts!
Have fun with that and enjoy each and every magical moment in this season of hope, faith and love!
It is never too early to begin fostering a love for one’s country. That’s why it is important for even our youngest citizen to be given opportunities to learn more about the place they call home. Patriotic songs and stories provide children a meaningful, fun and engaging door into their country’s history.
Let’s check out a few for America.
Patriotic Songs and Books for Kids
Song: Grand Old Flag
The American flag is a symbol that is used in many different contexts in our environment. That means kids have seen it before which will help get them get excited about the discussion. Bring in some math by counting the stripes and if time allows, count the stars too! But watch your audience so they don’t loose interest – 50 is a lot to count.
“Grand Old Flag” is traditional song that would pair well with a lesson focused around the flag. This patriotic song is catchy and has a nice, lively beat. Have children keep a beat on their legs or even create a beat pattern such as tapping legs twice and clapping hand twice as they listen to the song. This will help keep them engaged. Another fun way to mix it up is to have them put their hands in the air every time they hear the word “flag”.
2. Book/Song: “America the Beautiful”
This beautifully illustrated book by Wendell Minor gives readers the chance to check out many of America’s greatest places. From the Empire State Building to the Grand Tetons and many more in between, kids will enjoy seeing some of our country’s prized destinations. Set to a patriotic classic written by Katharine Lee Bates, “America the Beautiful” is another song worth adding to your children’s repertoire. When reading the story, I like to sing the lyrics which accompany the images throughout the book. But, if you’d rather, turn on a recording of the song and enjoy. Click here for a jazzy version of the song. Click here to check out the book on Amazon.
3. Song: Yankee Doodle
Did you know “Yankee Doodle” was not the name of a person from the war, but rather a tune sung during the Revolutionary War? It become a source of American pride and an unofficial national anthem. I think “Yankee Doodle”is just fun to say and I bet your kids will get a kick out of it too.
Listen to it below if you are not familiar with the tune:
“Yankee Doodle” is also a great song to keep in your back pocket as a piggyback tune. Try these lyrics below with the tune to get the idea. Then try writing one that works for you!
Everybody sit on down,
Please don’t sit on the door.
Everybody sit on down,
Let’s sit down on the floor.
To add some movement to this song, turn on the recording below and follow this simple movement pattern: During the chorus have the children gallop around the room. During the versus have them stop and keep the beat on their legs.
4. Book/Song: The Star Spangled Banner
Chances are most children have heard our country’s national anthem at least once. But do they know the lyrics? Or should I say, do you know all the lyrics?
Studies have shown a score of Americans aren’t even sure which song is our national anthem! That is actually very sad. So, there’s no leaving this one off the list. We need to make sure our youngest generation not only knows it, but takes pride in what it stands for – freedom!
Because it is so important to create activities that keep children’s attention, finding a way to tap into multiple senses in the learning experience is key. Therefore, combining the song with a book as suggested when teaching “America the Beautiful” offers a visual and auditory component.
And there it is, a short list which could really go on for quit a while with ideas. There are so many more songs I could have added, but at least this is a start. In the comments below, tell me what your favorite patriotic song or book is to share with kids!
When it comes to circle time, many teachers spend a considerable amount of time finding activities to keep the children engaged. But they fail to think about how the space where their circle time is happening may be just as important. I am so excited to share with you a few easy tricks I have found over the years that have made a ton of difference when it comes to making the most of circle time. The great thing is, they are pretty easy changes you can implement right away! Here are a few simple steps you can take to get your circle time space ready to rock.
1. Just the Right Size
When choosing a place to designate as the circle time area, it is important to not only think about the number of students in your class that will need their own personal space, but to also consider all of the activities the children will be participating in while there.From story times to movement activities, this space needs to be large enough to accommodate it all.
While book cases and walls do a great job of defining a space, if they close the space in too much it actually creates a problem on a few levels.
With sitting activities like “Whoa, Jack!” where kids roll back, they need room to do so without hitting a shelf or a wall. In “Balance Boogie” when kids are up and moving, they need room to move about freely and not bump into the other children.
The other issue walls and bookcases don’t allow for is core strengthening. When children (and adults too) have a place to rest their back when they are on the floor, they’ll take it! Problem is it means they miss out on the chance to activate the muscles needed to support one’s body in a seated, unsupported position. As the experts over at Inspired TreeHouse tell us, core strengthening is SO important for kids on a ton of levels.
For these two reasons alone, an open concept circle time space with little or no vertical barriers is ideal.
2. Make a Circle
You are probably thinking, duh, I know it should be a circle, it’s circle time! The reason I am taking the time to explain this piece is because I have seen many classes sit their children in rows rather than a circle. While seeing a book being read may be easier while in rows, it doesn’t change the fact that when kids are sitting in rows, the further away the child is from the teacher, the more likely they are to misbehave. I also feel it is not as welcoming.
A circle is an ancient symbol for unity and wholeness and has no beginning or end. Since community building is a key outcome for circle time, honoring this shape (or some variation of it such as an oval or rectangle) will allow each child to feel like an equal member of the group.
If possible, find a carpet to place in the circle time area that is big enough for all children to sit around the edge of while still allowing for ample elbow room (refer to picture below). Carpets that have letters, shapes etc. around the outside edge work best as they give a visual representation for where each child’s personal space is located.If a carpet is not an option, use carpet squares laid out in a circle or masking tape a circle or oval onto the floor.
Amazon has tons of great carpets that fit my requirements. Click here to start shopping.
3. Circle Time Materials
Until materials are needed, they should be kept out of children’s reach. If possible, even out of sight. Doing so eliminates distraction during the other activities and keeps the children wondering what you will put out next. Finding boxes with lids will not only help keep materials organized, they will also help keep curious fingers from getting into the materials before it is time.Be sure the materials are stilleasily accessible for you so when they are needed in the lesson, you can quickly retrieved them without leaving the circle time area.
4. Reduce or Eliminate Distractions
When children lose interest in what is happening at circle time, they will naturally search for something else to keep them busy.Often times that means something they can put in their hands. To avoid this, make sure the area is free from items that may capture their attention such as books or blocks. Turn bookshelves around so they face away from the circle area or cut a piece of fabric to fit the bookcase or shelf to hide the contents. Think, “out of sight, out of mind”.
Classroom Example
Now that we’ve reviewed the 4 tips, let’s take a look at a classrooms to get a visual understanding of what is and is not working based on my recommendations.
What I like: I love that there are little or no objects within an arm’s reach. That means children can stay focused on what the teacher is presenting and not get into what’s behind them. The carpet is also ideal as the letters around the outside edges clearly designate a space for each child. There are no bookshelves or walls near by which means the children will have no problem rolling backwards and hitting anything. They will also have ample room for movement activities and can even go out into the classroom area and easily return to the circle at the end of the movement without creating a traffic jam.
What I’d change: I do prefer to sit on the floor with the children and be at their level, but if physical limitations do not allow for this, a chair is absolutely acceptable.
Hopefully these 4 secrets will provide some ideas for how you can improve your circle times. Some or all may not be possible in your current situation, but keep them in mind when setting up your classroom in the future.
I’d love to hear if any of my suggestions worked for you as well as learn any tricks you have to share!
As a music teacher, most of the time I spend with children is at circle time. This means we do a lot of sitting – but not too much, because that’s not good either! Because I am often on the carpet with children, when I heard about the dangers of “w” sitting, it got my attention. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, it’s most likely because you didn’t know it had a name. Simply put, it is when a child has one leg on each side of their body in the shape of a “w”.
Now that I am familiar with the long-term effects of sitting this way, it is something I think about all the time and correct children every chance I get. Check out my video below to learn reasons why children “w” sit, the dangers of “w” sit, and a simple way to change the habit with a song.
After you’ve watched the video, If you are interested in learning even more about “W” sitting, check out a great article that gives a variety of alternatives to “w” sitting as well as a really cool infographic just below the video in this post. Then share your new-found knowledge with teachers and parents!
Not a video watcher? No problem! Here are the highlights….
3 Reasons Why Children “w” sit
Structural Abnormalities of the Hip – If a child’s head and neck of the femur is rotated anterior to the femur, the child is more likely to walk pigeon toed, toes pointing in, as well as “w” sit.
Poor Balance or Core Weakness – When children lack core strength and balance, “w” sitting can offer them a strong foundation on which to sit.
Habit – When learning to crawl, “w” sit offers a quick way to transition to sitting up without moving the legs out front. When children realize this form of sitting takes less effort, it can quickly become their go-to position.
3 Reasons Why “W” Sit is Dangerous
Stress on Joints – “W” sitting can actually put undo stress on the joints and muscles. For children who have hip dysplasia, it can predispose them to hip dislocation.
Decreased Mobility – When children are “w” sitting, playing with toys directly in front of them is no problem. But, reaching from side to side or transition items from their left to right hand, is more difficult so they don’t do it. Therefore, they don’t practice these much needed skills.
Decreased Core Strength – Because “w” sitting does not take the same core strength as sitting on their bottom with legs out straight or even in criss cross, children lose the opportunity to work on strengthening their core.
How to Break the Habit of “w” sitting with a song!
We all know songs are a great way for everyone to learn new information. They can also be an effective way to create a new habit. If children in your class are habitually “w” sitting, try this little tune below every time you move into a sitting position. Click here to hear the tune! If you’d rather chant the words, that works too!
As a music teacher, most of the time I spend with children is at circle time. This means we do a lot of sitting – but not too much, because that’s not good either! Because I am often on the carpet with children, when I heard about the dangers of “w” sitting, it got my attention. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, it’s most likely because you didn’t know it had a name. Simply put, it is when a child has one leg on each side of their body in the shape of a “w”.
Now that I am familiar with the long-term effects of sitting this way, it is something I think about all the time and correct children every chance I get. Check out my video below to learn reasons why children “w” sit, the dangers of “w” sit, and a simple way to change the habit with a song.
After you’ve watched the video, If you are interested in learning even more about “W” sitting, check out a great article that gives a variety of alternatives to “w” sitting as well as a really cool infographic just below the video in this post. Then share your new-found knowledge with teachers and parents!
Not a video watcher? No problem! Here are the highlights….
3 Reasons Why Children “w” sit
Structural Abnormalities of the Hip – If a child’s head and neck of the femur is rotated anterior to the femur, the child is more likely to walk pigeon toed, toes pointing in, as well as “w” sit.
Poor Balance or Core Weakness – When children lack core strength and balance, “w” sitting can offer them a strong foundation on which to sit.
Habit – When learning to crawl, “w” sit offers a quick way to transition to sitting up without moving the legs out front. When children realize this form of sitting takes less effort, it can quickly become their go-to position.
3 Reasons Why “W” Sit is Dangerous
Stress on Joints – “W” sitting can actually put undo stress on the joints and muscles. For children who have hip dysplasia, it can predispose them to hip dislocation.
Decreased Mobility – When children are “w” sitting, playing with toys directly in front of them is no problem. But, reaching from side to side or transition items from their left to right hand, is more difficult so they don’t do it. Therefore, they don’t practice these much needed skills.
Decreased Core Strength – Because “w” sitting does not take the same core strength as sitting on their bottom with legs out straight or even in criss cross, children lose the opportunity to work on strengthening their core.
How to Break the Habit of “w” sitting with a song!
We all know songs are a great way for everyone to learn new information. They can also be an effective way to create a new habit. If children in your class are habitually “w” sitting, try this little tune below every time you move into a sitting position. Click here to hear the tune! If you’d rather chant the words, that works too!
Is it really January 2018? It is hard to believe just how fast time flies. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to start a new year.
This month I am teaching all about the weather. We have actually had a pretty easy winter here in Seattle compared to other parts of the country. We did have 7 inches of snow on Christmas Day which was a treat especially for my girls who played for hours in the yard. Can you guess what they used as a hat?
Natia and Maci’s snow girl.
But before I get to sharing some fun activities for the month all about weather, I have to pass along some research worth checking out.
PREK EXPERIENCE IMPACTS MIDDLE SCHOOLERS
The research continues to pour in on the importance of a high-quality, early childhood education. How children learn during their very first years will have a profound impact on their success in school and life. We believe when a musical component is included in a child’s education, it only enhances their learning.
In a recent groundbreaking, longitudinal study, researchers at Georgetown University tracked children who participated in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s universal pre-K program through middle school. What did they find?
Musically Minded is honored to provide music classes and trainings for so many amazing early childhood programs. Partnering with teachers who recognize the importance of high-quality early learning is truly a gift. In 2018, we look forward to continuing to be “a part of the team” that fosters a love of learning in our future leaders.
ALL ABOUT WEATHER
Winter is a fun time to sing about the weather in Seattle as you never know what you’re going to get! Each class we’ll warm up with the song, “Oh, What’s the Weather Like Today?” It’s a Musically Minded original! Is it sunny, or rainy, or foggy, or snowy… or all of the above! We’ll experiment with our sharing instruments to mimic the sound of weather and use our class instruments to explore dynamics and tempo as we create a musical thunderstorm. There’s also lots of room for imaginative movement and play as we make our scarves into snowballs or try to blow them across the room on a windy day, dance in a bubble snowstorm and we’ll even bring out our parachute to use as an umbrella!
Is it really January 2018? It is hard to believe just how fast time flies. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to start a new year.
This month I am teaching all about the weather. We have actually had a pretty easy winter here in Seattle compared to other parts of the country. We did have 7 inches of snow on Christmas Day which was a treat especially for my girls who played for hours in the yard. Can you guess what they used as a hat?
Natia and Maci’s snow girl.
But before I get to sharing some fun activities for the month all about weather, I have to pass along some research worth checking out.
PREK EXPERIENCE IMPACTS MIDDLE SCHOOLERS
The research continues to pour in on the importance of a high-quality, early childhood education. How children learn during their very first years will have a profound impact on their success in school and life. We believe when a musical component is included in a child’s education, it only enhances their learning.
In a recent groundbreaking, longitudinal study, researchers at Georgetown University tracked children who participated in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s universal pre-K program through middle school. What did they find?
Musically Minded is honored to provide music classes and trainings for so many amazing early childhood programs. Partnering with teachers who recognize the importance of high-quality early learning is truly a gift. In 2018, we look forward to continuing to be “a part of the team” that fosters a love of learning in our future leaders.
ALL ABOUT WEATHER
Winter is a fun time to sing about the weather in Seattle as you never know what you’re going to get! Each class we’ll warm up with the song, “Oh, What’s the Weather Like Today?” It’s a Musically Minded original! Is it sunny, or rainy, or foggy, or snowy… or all of the above! We’ll experiment with our sharing instruments to mimic the sound of weather and use our class instruments to explore dynamics and tempo as we create a musical thunderstorm. There’s also lots of room for imaginative movement and play as we make our scarves into snowballs or try to blow them across the room on a windy day, dance in a bubble snowstorm and we’ll even bring out our parachute to use as an umbrella!
Everyone LOVES getting mail and that includes kids. That’s why when I saw this adorable mailbox at the dollar store, I had to get it. I immediately was reminded of a favorite American Folksong called “I Got a Letter”.
Check out the video below and find out how the activity works!
Mailbox: I got my holiday mailbox at the dollar store. But, you can use any sort of mailbox or box for that matter to pass around the circle.
Song Track: This song can be sung acapella or with a recording. To access the recording by Matt Kalin, click here. Then just find the song, “I Got a Letter” in the list of tracks. The cost for the song is .99 and you can by it right there through itunes.
A capella: If you want to go with the a capella version, the words can be found below. Or, click here to see the notation at “Beth’s Notes” blog if you need help remembering the tune.
I Got a Letter I got a letter this morning,
Oh yes,
I got a letter this morning,
Oh yes.
Movement Cards: I found the movement cards at the blog “Oopsey Daisy”. Just click here to go to her website. Then scroll down and you will see the cards that look like the ones below. Print, cut and laminate and you can use them for years to come!
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