April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes. But here in New Jersey, the rain, in blatant disregard of both the calendar and corny old sayings, is still falling. No one’s a big fan of bad weather, but I’d argue that it’s particularly annoying for preschool teachers. Young children need to get outside every […]
All Aboard! Trains in Story and Song Trains are one of those things, like farm animals and dinosaurs, that young children don’t really have a lot of experience with, but they’re still fascinated by them. I guess most children are more likely to come into contact with trains. If you count subway trains. (But I […]
I had an awesome time presenting at the “Kenyon at Kean” Annual Conference at Kean University in Union, NJ last Saturday. Kenyon is the chapter affiliate of NJAEYC for Central New Jersey, and if you you want to see some dedicated teachers – well, after a week of working with young children, to wake up […]
At the NAEYC Annual Conference I was lucky enough to meet Patty Shukla, who presented a poster session there. If you teach young children and you don’t know Patty Shukla’s music, you should! I discovered her a couple of years ago on YouTube, where she posts many outstanding video (You can find her channel here). Patty […]
One of the highlights of my NAEYC adventure was a wonderful session presented by the Mexican children’s performer/educator José- Luis Orozco. His latest CD, Come Bien! Eat Right! is pictured above and can be ordered here. The session was more like a concert, except with the entire audience performing! Mr. Orozco has a very lively, […]
Hi! I had a very fun chat with Anna Wilmoth, the wonderful Marketing Director at Gryphon House, about my career in early childhood music, my new book, and more. It appeared on the Gryphon House blog last week. You’ll find a lot more great early childhood information and resources at their website. KidsChat: Abigail Flesch […]
This article of mine is in this month’s issue of “Teachers Net Gazette.” Young Children Need These ACTIVE Music Activities! By Abigail Flesch Connors Includes 2 unique, upbeat and engaging active music activities you can easily adapt to your classroom or music program! From the author’s latest book, Shake, Rattle and Roll! Rhythm Instruments and […]
“Hold Your Hands Out” This is the time of year when some days the children are too hot from playing outside to do much moving around, but other days are rainy and stormy and the children are restless and filled with fidgetiness. Then it’s time for a fun action song! I created this one recently […]
“Flap Your Wings” You don’t have to be a chicken to sing and play along with this silly movement song! If you have arms and an imagination, you’re good to go! Have children stand in a circle. Tell them that in this song, we’re going to flap our “wings” and then clap. This is how […]
“Everyone Likes to Jump” Here’s an easy and improvisational music-and- movement activity for rainy days, or any day! Children should be standing in a circle. Jump to the beat while singing to the tune of “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush”: Everyone likes to jump, jump, jump, Everyone likes to jump, jump, […]
Music (and Science) For Young Children 