Past Musical Monday Posts:

• Education Through Music
• The Song Experience Game
• Early Literacy in ETM
• Every Child Ready to Read and ETM
• Sing
• Play
• Talk
• Write
• ETM in Lapsit

Fall Tales for 2's & 3's

In the fall my themes were Marvelous Me, Fall, and Favorites.  These are the ETM songs that I incorporated into my Fall Tales for 2’s and 3’s storytime.

Sing with Me
Sing with me altogether
Sing with me altogether
Sing with me altogether
Won’t you be my darling?

Stomp with me altogether
Stomp with me altogether
Stomp with me altogether
Won’t you be my darling?

Twist with me altogether
Twist with me altogether
Twist with me altogether
Won’t you be my darling?

High Stepping Horses
High stepping horses
High stepping horses
High stepping horses
Go jiggety-jiggety-jog

Looby Loo
Here we go looby loo, here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo, all on a Saturday night

I put my nose in, I take my nose out
I give my nose a shake, shake, shake
and turn myself around

Here we go looby loo, here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo, all on a Saturday night

I put my arm in, I take my arm out
I give my arm a shake, shake, shake
And turn myself around

Here we go looby loo, here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo, all on a Saturday night

I put my tongue in, I take my tongue out
I give my tongue a shake, shake, shake
And turn myself around

Oats, Peas, Beans
Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow
Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow
Oats, peas, beans, and barley grow
Nor you (point to the crowd)
Nor I (point to self)
Nor anyone knows (shrug)
How oats, peas, beans, and barley grow

First the farmer (hold up index finger for 1st)
Sews the seed (pretend to scatter seeds)
Then he stands and takes his ease (stand with arms folded like you are relaxing)
He stamps his foot (stamp foot)
And claps his hands (clap hands)
And turns around (turn around)
To view the land (have hand above eyes like you are shielding your eyes from the sun)

Come Along and Walk with Me
Come along and walk with me
Come along and walk with me
We’ll walk and walk and walk and walk
So come along and walk with me

Come along and jump with me
Come along and jump with me
We’ll jump and jump and jump and jump
So come along and jump with me

Come along and twist with me
Come along and twist with me
We’ll twist and twist and twist and twist
So come along and twist with me

Come along and bend with me
Come along and bend with me
We’ll bend and bend and bend and bend
So come along and bend with me

*You can add in other actions like tickle, wiggle, hop, and creep

Spring Tales for 2's and 3's

In the Spring, my themes were love, farm, and favorites.  These are the ETM songs that I incorporated into my Spring Tales for 2’s and 3’s.

Come Along and Wave with Me
Come along and wave with me
Come along and wave with me
We’ll wave and wave
and wave and wave
So come along and wave with me

Come along and hug with me
Come along and hug with me
We’ll hug and hug
And hug and hug
So come along and hug with me

Come along and twist with me
Come along and twist with me
We’ll twist and twist
And twist and twist
So come along and twist with me

Come along and stretch with me
Come along and stretch with me
We’ll stretch and stretch
And stretch and stretch
So come along and stretch with me

Come along and wiggle with me
Come along and wiggle with me
We’ll wiggle and wiggle
And wiggle and wiggle
So come along and wiggle with me

Old MacDonald Had a Farm
I chose to sing and play Old MacDonald as a flannel.
I would hide the animal behind my back and have the kids guess what animal it was before the "grand reveal"

Clap Your Hands Duo, Duo
Clap your hands duo, duo
Clap your hands duo, duo
Clap your hands duo, duo
Shake those fingers down

Wiggle your hands duo, duo
Wiggle your hands duo, duo
Wiggle your hands duo, duo
Shake those fingers down

Stomp your feet duo, duo
Stomp your feet duo, duo
Stomp your feet duo, duo
Shake those fingers down

Tap your knees duo, duo
Tap your knees duo, duo
Tap your knees duo, duo
Shake those fingers down

Rub your tummy duo, duo
Rub your tummy duo, duo
Rub your tummy duo, duo
Shake those fingers down

Looby Loo
Here we go looby loo, here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo, all on a Saturday night

I put my elbow in, I take my elbow out
I give my elbow a shake, shake, shake
and turn myself around

Here we go looby loo, here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo, all on a Saturday night

I put my belly in, I take my belly out
I give my belly a shake, shake, shake
and turn myself around

Here we go looby loo, here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo, all on a Saturday night

I put my bottom in, I take my bottom out
I give my bottom a shake, shake, shake
and turn myself around

Here we go looby loo, here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo, all on a Saturday night

Booklist

​Last year I put together a booklist for the ETM literacy team and conference participants.  I initially used Google Docs.  I was happy with having an electronic list of books that can be used to extend the play of an SEG.  This semester, I decided that I wanted to create an updated version of the list as part of my final project for my independent study of ETM.

I examined various curation platforms before I finally settled on Pearltrees.  I liked that it wasn’t as busy as Pinterest and that I could create collections for various SEGs.

This booklist is a “living document” so I will continue to add titles to the list. I hope that this will be a valuable resource to the ETM literacy team and the conference participants this summer.

5 Ducks Paddle
Credit: Preschool Education

Five little ducks paddling to shore,
One paddled away, then there were four;
Four little ducks paddling towards me,
One paddled away, then there were three:
Three little ducks paddling towards you,
One paddled away, then there were two:
Two little ducks paddling in the sun,
One paddled away, then there was one:
It paddled away then there was none.

I Saw a Little Bird

Credit: Preschool Express

I saw a little bird go hop, hop, hop. (hop)
I told the little bird to stop, stop, stop. (hold hand out in stop gesture)
I went to the window to say 'How do you do?' (bow)
He wagged his little tail and far away he flew! (wiggle bottom, flap wings)
​

Robin
Credit: DCL Story Tree

When a robin turns  his head (make wings with arms)
Sideways in a flower bed           (tilt head to side)
He can hear the tiny sound        (tap ear, cup ear)
of a worm beneath the ground   (wiggle finger)
​

Two Little Blackbirds
Credit: Preschool Rainbow

Two little blackbirds
Sitting on the wall,  (hold up one finger of each hand)
One named Peter,
The other named Paul.
Fly away Peter!  (put a hand behind your back)
Fly away, Paul!  (put the other hand behind you back)
Come back, Peter!  (bring the first hand from behind your back)
Come back, Paul!  (bring the second hand from behind your back)

Little Ducks Go Quack, Quack, Quack
Credit: Preschool Education
To the tune “London Bridge is Falling Down”

Little ducks go quack, quack, quack
Quack, quack, quack,
Quack, quack, quack.
Little ducks go quack quack quack
As they float upstream.

Little Bird, Little Bird
Credit: Preschool Education, Adapted by N. Lawton
To the tune of “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear”

Little bird, little bird, fly around.
Little bird, little bird, fly to the ground.
Little bird, little bird, flap your wings.
Little bird, little bird, sweetly sing.
Little bird, little bird, fly to your nest.
Little bird, little bird, time to rest.​

I'm a Little Robin
Credit: N. Lawton
To the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot”

I’m a little robin, as you can see
I live high up in a tree
When I see a worm wiggling around
I will swoop down to the ground

Birdie Pokey
Credit: Johnson County Library; adapted by N. Lawton
To the tune of “The Hokey Pokey”

You put your wings in, you put your wings out,
You put your wings in and you flap them about.
You do the birdie-pokey and you turn yourself around.
That's what it's all about!

You put your beak in, you put your beak out,
You put your beak in and you chomp it all about.
You do the birdie-pokey and you turn yourself around.
That's what it's all about!

You put your tail feathers in, you put your tail feathers out,
You put your tail feathers in, and you shake them all about.
You do the birdie-pokey and you turn yourself around.
That's what it's all about!

​These are the songs that we danced to during storytime.  If you are interested in checking out these songs, the album cover images are linked to Amazon so you can listen to a sample and/or purchase these great songs!

The Gardener
Credit: DCL Story Tree, adapted by N.Lawton
To the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”

The gardener plants the seeds
The gardener plants the seeds
Hi-ho the derry-o!
The gardener plants the seeds

The gardener waters the seeds
The gardener waters the seeds
Hi-ho the derry-o!
The gardener waters the seeds

The sun shines nice and  warm
The sun shines nice and warm
Hi-ho the derry-o!
The sun shines nice and warm

The plants begin to grow
The plants begin to grow
Hi-ho the derry-o!
The plants begin to grow

In the Spring
Credit:  Storytime Magic by Kathy MacMillan and Christine Kirker
To the tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

In the spring the sun does shine, sun does shine, sun does shine.
In the spring the sun does shine.
That's how we know it's spring.
In the spring the rain does fall, rain does fall, rain does fall.
In the spring the rain does fall.
That's how we know it's spring.
In the spring the wind does blow, wind does blow, wind does blow.
In the spring the wind does blow.
That's how we know it's spring.
In the spring the flowers grow, flowers grow, flowers grow.
In the spring the flowers grow.
That's how we know it's spring.

Roots and Stem, Leaves, and Flowers
Credit: DCL Story Tree, adapted by N. Lawton
To the tune of “Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes”

Roots and stem, leaves and flowers
leaves and flowers.
Roots and stem, leaves and flowers
leaves and flowers.
Butterflies, bees, and sunshine please,
Roots and stem, leaves and flowers
leaves and flowers!

I'm a Dandelion
Credit: Adventures in Storytime
To the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot”

I'm a dandelion,
Oh, so small.  (crouch down)
I'm growing bigger;  (slowly rise)
Now I'm tall.   (stand up)

Soon my yellow blossom   (round arms over head)
Will turn to fluff.  (keep arms over head)
Along will come the wind   (sway from side to side)
With a great big huff.  (blow like wind)

Then my dandy seeds
Will dance around;   (wiggle finger in air)
Traveling to places, then
Floating to the ground.   (lower fingers to ground)

S-P-R-I-N-G
Credit: Johnson County Library
To the tune of “Bingo”

There is a time when flowers bloom, and grass turns green all over.
It is coming soon, it is coming soon, it is coming soon,
and spring is it's name-o.
There is a time when birdies sing,
and children play outside.
It is coming soon, it is coming soon, it is coming soon
and spring is its name-o.

Spring is Coming
Credit: The Complete Book of Rhymes, Songs, Poems, Fingerplays and Chants by Jackie Silberg and Pam Schiller.

Spring is coming, spring is coming!
How do you think I know?
I see a flower blooming,
I know it must be so.
Spring is coming, spring is coming!
How do you think I know?
I see a blossom on the tree,
I know it must be so.

Spring
Credit: DCL Story Tree

Showers  (flutter fingers down)
Flowers   (hands grow up)
Trees       (yoga tree pose, sway)
Bees        (make wings with arms & buzz)
Sun         (circle arms over head)
Fun         (jump up and down)
Muck     (pretend to be stuck)
YUCK!

Robin
Credit: DCL Story Tree

When a robin turns  his head    (make wings with arms)
Sideways in a flower bed            (tilt head to side)
He can hear the tiny sound        (tap ear, cup ear)
of a worm beneath the ground   (wiggle finger)

Dig, Dig, Dig
Credit: No Time for Flashcards

I Take My Shovel and I Dig Dig Dig
I take my shovel and I dig, dig, dig,
Dig, dig, dig,
Dig, dig, dig.
I take my shovel and I dig, dig, dig,
I dig, dig all day long.

Dance Your Fingers Up
Credit: Storytime Katie

Dance your fingers up, dance your fingers down
Dance your fingers to the side, dance them all around
Dance them on your shoulders, dance them on you head
Dance them on your tummy, and put them all to bed

Clap Your Hands Duo, Duo
Credit: The Richards Institute of Education Through Research/Education Through Music

Clap your hands duo, duo
Clap your hands duo, duo
Clap your hands duo, duo
Shake those fingers down

Wiggle your hands duo, duo
Wiggle your hands duo, duo
Wiggle your hands duo, duo
Shake those fingers down

Stomp your feet duo, duo
Stomp your feet duo, duo
Stomp your feet duo, duo
Shake those fingers down

Tap your knees duo, duo
Tap your knees duo, duo
Tap your knees duo, duo
Shake those fingers down

Rub your tummy duo, duo
Rub your tummy duo, duo
Rub your tummy duo, duo
Shake those fingers down
​

Looby Loo
Credit: The Richards Institute of Education Through Research/Education Through Music

Here we go looby loo, here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo, all on a Saturday night

I put my nose in, I take my nose out
I give my nose a shake, shake, shake
and turn myself around

Here we go looby loo, here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo, all on a Saturday night

I put my elbow in, I take my elbow out
I give my elbow a shake, shake, shake
and turn myself around

Here we go looby loo, here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo, all on a Saturday night

I put my belly in, I take my belly out
I give my belly a shake, shake, shake
and turn myself around

Here we go looby loo, here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo, all on a Saturday night

I put my bottom in, I take my bottom out
I give my bottom a shake, shake, shake
and turn myself around

Here we go looby loo, here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo, all on a Saturday night

In the children’s library world, the decision to use a theme or not use a storytime theme is akin to deciding which is the superior beverage- Coke or Pepsi.  As someone who is not a consumer of dark carbonated drinks, I do not have a preference in regards to the Coke/Pepsi debate.  Now, if we were to debate what the most superior holiday candy is, I will 100% root for Cadbury Eggs (particularly the hard shell mini ones).

I digress.  

What I am trying to say is that there are two camps of thought in the children’s library world: YES - themes and NO - themes.   I see the value of using themes, but I also know the importance of selecting books, songs, bounces, and tickles that are delightful, rich in language, and that build early literacy skills.  I love a good theme - unicorn storytime?  Yes, please!  I also love using books, songs, and tickles that do not center around a specific topic.  

Sometimes, I have a deep rooted feeling that I must do this particular theme because I think that my storytime crowd will love it.  Other times I have a gut feeling that I should use specific books, songs, and bounces because I feel that my storytime crowd will delight in them.

​When it comes to ETM in storytime, I use ETM SEGs all of the time.  If they fit the theme, I consider it to be a bonus.  If not, that is perfectly fine too.  I want to try and repeat some of the SEGs as much as possible because repetition is great for the kiddos and repetition empowers caregivers to try it at home.

I have three storytime tenets when planning a storytime:

• I will use books, songs, bounces, tickles, etc. that I love
• I will use developmentally appropriate materials
• I will empower caregivers to use storytime materials (i.e., songs, bounces, books, etc.) at home

From there, I decide:

• Theme? yes/no
• Books
• ETM songs
• Additional songs, bounces, tickles, etc.

For the purpose of this post we are not going to focus on one particular storytime theme.  These are songs and bounces that can fit into any storytime.
​

​When someone calls you by name and pronounces your name correctly, it’s a nice warm and fuzzy feeling.  Being called by our name makes us feel seen.  Our names are one of the first words that we learn to recognize, spell, and write.  Names are very important in ETM.  

In the digital age we live in, human connection and social interaction are becoming even more important and valuable.  A big piece of ETM is building regard.  The facilitator is responsible for creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere - a place full of warm fuzzies.  

One of the best ways to fill a room with warm fuzzies is to sing a name song.  I focused on name songs in lapsit because I wanted to learn the names of the babies that were attending my storytime.  I also wanted the caregivers to learn who was who so that they could connect with one another during playtime.

As everyone came into the room, I had a table with laminated hearts (with velcro on the back) and dry erase markers.  Caregivers wrote baby’s name on the heart and the caregiver (or baby) put the heart on the flannel board.  It was a great way to put names to faces, to count how many participants were in my storytime, and also gave the babies ownership of something in storytime (during playtime they loved to take their name heart and walk around with it).

The song that I chose to use was “Oh, I Know” which is to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell.”  I would find one of the names on the flannelboard and say “where is James sitting today?” and James’s caregiver would raise their hand.  Then we would sing and wave “Oh, I know James.  Oh, I know James (finger cheer in the air).  Hi-ho the derry-o!  We all know James.  We would repeat this process until we sang about every baby.  The smiles, gurgles, and coos in response to their name being sung was something to behold.