Tap-a-Doodle-Doo! Can a rooster play the drums? As it turns out, Yes! Children love this very silly activity to play with their coffee can drums: Children love the word “tap-a-doodle-doo” and the other “-a-doodle-doo” words! At any rate, they always enjoy singing along with the silly words to this activity, from my book “Shake, Rattle, and Roll: […]
Tag Archives: early childhood
In my music enrichment classes for young children, I often read stories to which I add repeated, sung phrases or “sound effects” children can join in on. I find this adds: 1. Engagement as children focus in on the story and listen for the auditory cues for “their part,” […]
Here’s my latest article for Teachers Net Gazette! It’s all about creating an atmosphere of curiosity and excitement in the classroom. http://gazette.teachers.net/gazette/wordpress/abigail-flesch-connors/wait-for-it-a-fun-way-to-nurture-childrens-curiosity/ I’m all about encouraging children’s curiosity, so if you have any more strategies for sparking curiosity, please share them here!
The following article of mine originally appeared in Teacher’s Net Gazette in November 2011. How Should We Teach Creative Thinking? Ask a Four-Year-Old By Abigail Flesch Connors Young children are the “experts” when it comes to creative thinking. Here are some tips I’ve learned from the young children I’ve taught to foster creative thinking in students […]
Our aim is not only to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his innermost core. – Maria Montessori I’m not a Montessori teacher, but I absolutely love this quote! When was the last time you thought of your aim as a […]
Long car trips with young children can be a challenge, but singing silly songs as a family can make the time go by quickly and provide lasting memories. Here are some fun songs to try with your kids. The Nursery Rhyme Family Substitute the names of family members for famous nursery rhyme characters. For example: […]
I like to read picture books with wolves in them because I think wolves get a bad rap in general. Most young children are very afraid of wolves. Not that I think children should go out and pet a wild wolf, but I like them to learn that among themselves, wolves are loving, family-oriented creatures. […]
“Put Your Hands Up In The Air” by Hap Palmer available on iTunes So many children’s recordings, especially those meant for movement, are overly complicated, or just plain go too fast for young children. Instead of a fun experience, the children just feel confused or frustrated. That’s why “Put Your Hands in the Air” is one of my favorites, particularly […]
We’re Going on a Picnic! by Pat Hutchins In this very cute, silly story, Chicken, Duck, and Goose are going on a picnic, but they can’t agree on a perfect spot for it. As they walk along searching forthat elusive “just right” location, they sing “We’re going on a picnic, we’re going on a picnic” (I […]
I didn’t have any Fourth of July stories so I’m going with George Washington – hey, he’s patriotic, right? On Presidents’ Day I like to ask my older students (the fours and fives) if they know who George Washington was. The answers are always entertaining. Me: Does anyone know who […]
Music (and Science) For Young Children 