Spring Stretch
(to the tune of “Have You Ever Seen a Lassie”)
In the spring, the leaves and grass grow, leaves and grass grow, leaves and grass grow.
In the spring the leaves and grass grow and the trees all turn green,
And the wind and the rain blow, and the wind and the rain blow.
In the spring, the wind and rain blow and the trees all turn green.

Note: Have the children stretch down slowly, with straight legs, then reach up to the sky and sway back and forth. Twist your body when the wind and rain blow. Reach up on tippy-toes at the end.

Let's Go Fly a Kite
(This song is on the sountrack from Mary Poppins)
While the song is playing, have the children wave scarves in the air and pretend they are flying kites.

Also check out the bug songs and "The Boom-de-Adda Song" on the Singin' Round the Campfire CD. They're perfect for spring.

Fall Stretch
(to the tune of “London Bridge”)
All the leaves are falling down, falling down, falling down;
Red and yellow, orange, brown, I love Autumn!
Take the leaves and rake them up, rake them up, rake them up
In a pile, so we can JUMP! I love Autumn - CRUNCH!

Note: Have the children stretch down slowly, wiggling their fingers, and touching the ground.
Have them try not to bend their knees. Then, standing, act out raking and jumping.

Dicky Dicky Doo! (a hand rhyme)
Note: In rhythm, have the children follow your hand. If you touch your head, have them touch
their heads, and so on...

My hand on my head, what have I here? This is my topnotcher, sweet mother dear
Topnotcher, topnotcher, dicky dicky doo, that's what I learned in my school - BOOM BOOM!
My hand on my brow, what have I here? This is my sweatboxer, sweet father dear…
Sweatboxer, Topnotcher, dicky dicky doo, that's what I learned in my school - BOOM BOOM!
My hand on my eyes (close 'em first) what have I here? These are my eyeblinkers sweet mother dear
Eyeblinkers, sweatboxer, topnotcher, dicky dicky doo, that's what I learned in my school - BOOM BOOM!
My hand on my nose, what have I here? This is my smellsniffer, sweet father dear ... Smellsniffer, eyeblinker, sweatboxer, topnotcher, dicky dicky doo, that's what I learned in my school - BOOM BOOM!
My hand on my mouth, what have I here? This is my foodgrinder, sweet mother dear
Foodgrinder, smellsniffer, eyeblinker, sweatboxer, topnotcher, dicky dicky doo,
that's what I learned in my school - BOOM BOOM!
My hand on my chin, what have I here? This is my chinchopper, sweet father dear
Chinchopper, foodgrinder, smellsniffer, eyeblinker, sweatboxer, topnotcher, dicky dicky doo,
that's what I learned in my school (tap knees) - BOOM BOOM!

(there's more, but have fun making up your own, and happy Back to School!)

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THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPMENTAL MUSIC FOR THE VERY YOUNG’

The Music With Margie Preschool Program is a music and movement curriculum designed to support and reinforce regular preschool programming and its developmental goals. I teach thematically, and bring a weekly bag of props, instruments, and tricks, as well as my guitar, to play, teach, and enlighten.

Why Music?
1. Children enjoy it. They are willing to involve themselves actively, and that involvement is an important component of the learning process.
2. Music is non-judgmental. Children can express themselves and explore their imaginations in a setting where things need not be right or wrong.
3. As part of a total educational program, music complements classroom activities by focusing on skills that are critical in these areas, i.e., listening skills, both fine and gross motor skills, body and spatial awareness, scientific thinking such as problem solving, sequencing, and math skills.
4. Language and literacy skyrocket. Music offers concrete experiences that are embedded in language, and language is the key to intellectual growth.
5. Finally, children of all backgrounds and personalities experience enhanced self-esteem.

Goals and Objectives
Music skills develop in the course of activities, but they are not the primary focus. There are critical skills learned as this program builds upon itself throughout the academic year. I was trained at Perkins School for the Blind by (now retired) mentor and music therapist, Judith E. Bevans, MT-BC. In her words,
“ Students are seldom aware of skills they are gaining in music sessions because they focus on the music itself. In this way, the teacher ‘slips’ instruction by them in a setting that is usually relaxed and enjoyable. Humor is an essential ingredient because it enhances attention and deflects difficult situations. ”

The following are just some of the goals attained through music:

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IMPORTANT CONTACT NOTE TO SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, AND YOUTH AND FAMILY BUREAUS:
Margie will always respond to your inquiries. Please note that due to highly sensitive SPAM BLOCKERS ON SCHOOL AND LIBRARY COMPUTERS, MUSIC WITH MARGIE MAY BE ACCIDENTALLY BLOCKED AS SPAM and placed in your junk e-mail folder. If you are expecting a reply from Margie and have not received it within a reasonable amount of time, her message was most likely blocked. To avoid this: ADD THE ADDRESS TO YOUR ADDRESS BOOK.
Margie@MusicWithMargie.com
Or, call her at (860) 526-5794. Thank you.