The history of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

Here's a song to help teach the history behind the first Thanksgiving.
I designed a power point to go along with this song, which has pictures to represent each phrase of the song. I also printed each power point slide,and laminated them, so that the song is also represented in picture form with an adapted book.

In some classrooms, I have used rhythm sticks with this song. Drums would be great to use as well.

As the students are listening to the song for the very first time, I have them play along to the rhythm of the drums in the background. This has worked very well, and usually by the middle of the song, my student groups have been able to get their rhythms in sync and together with the recording. It's so nice when that happens!

Another helpful idea is to set words to the rhythm so the students can follow along that way. Introduce the rhythm first with the sticks, get it going, then start the song and try to match the rhythm of the drum. For this song, try saying the words, "Thanksgiving Dinner", or "I like Thanksgiving", to emphasize the rhythm of the drums.

So, here's the song and I hope you have a great Friday and restful weekend!
Thanks for stopping by!

Book Awareness

Here's a song I wanted to share about Book Awareness.
This song introduces parts of a book that are found on the front of a book.




The parts of a book in this song include: Cover, Title, Author, and Illustrator.

The tempo of this song is intended to be slightly slower, so that the teacher can use a real book as a visual and go around the classroom showing students each part of the book.

Another idea would be for students to all pick books and have them at their desks, or on their laps (during "circle time"). While the song is playing, each student can point to the part of the book mentioned in the song.



If you would like to download this song, simply click on Buy and you can purchase it for $1. If you'd like to tell a friend about this song, click on Share.

Thanks for stopping by!

Veteran's Day

It's Veteran's Day!
Today (and every day, really), is a day when we remember all of the Veterans who have served and protected our country. These men and women have put their lives on hold to protect so many of our rights and freedoms. Today is the day we say "Thank you", to all of them.




Veterans, Veterans,
We Thank You!
Veterans, Veterans,
We Thank You!

You served in the military.
You fought for our freedom and our country.
You served in the military.
You fought for our freedom and our country.

Veterans, Veterans
We Thank You!
Veterans, Veterans,
We Thank You!


The Army, the Air Force, the Navy and Marines.
The Coast Guard and the Reserves,
Watching over our country.

Veterans, Veterans,
We Thank You!
Veterans,Veterans,
We Thank You!

You served in the military.
You fought for our freedom and our country.
You served in the military.
You fought for our freedom and our country.

Veterans, Veterans,
We Thank You!
Veterans, Veterans,
We Thank You!


Have a wonderful Veteran's Day!

Thanksgiving Songs

While I have been more than a little busy with my caseload so far this year, I often think about my blog here and wish I had time to post more. I want to thank all of you for your kind emails and questions.

Today's post is about Thanksgiving songs. Last year, I posted several songs that can be used with a variety of age groups. I love songs like this because you get a lot of "wear" out of them. They can be life savers on a busy day! I also like songs like this because there are so many interesting responses from the students and/or adults participating in the music therapy sessions.

Anyhow, the first post review is of a song by Hap Palmer titled, "I am Thankful". It is a nice, pretty, mellow song which I use for students to insert their own answers of things for which they are thankful. I have several picture visuals to suggest ideas for students who have difficulty with creativity and answering questions. You can hear my version of the song here.

The next song I wanted to review is Ted the Turkey. I love using this song and have had great success with this song with students in elementary and middle schools. The song is basically about a turkey named Ted, who is running away on Thanksgiving Day. Within the song, students are asked, "Where should I go? Where should I hide?".
I have picture cards of places Ted the Turkey could possibly hide (Hay bale, Barn, Car, House,etc). My students with Severe-Profound disabilities are able to choose (via touching picture and/or eye gaze) pictures to tell me where they think the turkey should hide. It's such a cute activity. :) You can listen to this song here.

Thanks so much for stopping by and feel free to email me at morewithmusic@gmail.com
Have a great day!