Music does more than just delight and entertain us. It can build connections in the brain, introduce and develop new vocabulary, promote emotional intelligence and so much more. Moving to a simple tune makes learning fun while stimulating several areas of the brain all at the same time. As teachers we know young children need to move their little bodies a LOT throughout the day!
Children immersed in music build reasoning and problem solving abilities. Keeping a simple beat by clapping or using a small percussion instrument develops the sense of pattern and focus. There is a lot of brain research that supports using music with young children to develop essential skills. New vocabulary can be learned in the context of a song. How many of you can still sing “Frere Jacques” and were curious to learn the English translation to those lyrics? We probably all know the French word of brother because of this simple song learned as a child.

The brain remembers so much more when connected to music. I can remember all 50 state names because I taught my 3rd graders a song! All 50!!! I amaze (and probably bore) my friends when I burst into that 50 state song! But it does prove the point, music helps the memory!

We LOVE to use music and movement in our classrooms. We write what we call “singables” using familiar tunes but with new lyrics. Here are a few of our Thanksgiving singables our students enjoy!!

A Turkey Named Fred

A Turkey Named Fred is easily sung to the tune I’m a Little Teapot. That’s because the song comes with a mini-movie where the pages of the book turn as we sing the lyrics. Just show this a few times and your students will be singing along! Stick puppets are included and so easy to prep. Cut them out, tape a tongue depressor on the back, and place them in the hands of even the most reluctant child. They will stand in front of their classmates as they sing the song. Holding a puppet gives them reason to be in front of the class even if they are too shy to sing along yet. A Turkey Named Fred

Five Little Turkeys

Here is another singable, Five Little Turkeys, with some cute stick puppets. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is the tune and again there is a Shared Reading book with a Mini-movie to help students learn the lyrics. Five Little Turkeys

My Colorful Feast

Need to review some color words? My Colorful Feast uses the tune The Itsy Bitsy Spider and again has the large picture book, a mini-movie, pocket chart cards, a take-home booklet and a few interactive printables to extend the learning. My Colorful Feast

FREE Singable – I’m a Little Turkey

This FREE singable is also sung to the tune I’m a Little Teapot. There are song charts in both color and black & white, pocket chart cards, a writing paper, and 5 stick puppets. Download I’m a Little Turkey and enjoy singing it today!

If you love singing with your students and need some fun songs like these, please consider following our TeachersPayTeachers store JK SIngables. You will find lots of songs to use in your classroom!

It is amazing how quickly fall is flying by! Can you believe its the middle of November and Thanksgiving is just around the corner? We hope you have a fabulous colorful Thanksgiving feast with family and friends. Stuffing or dressing? What does your family call it?

The post Thanksgiving Singables appeared first on JK Curriculum Connection.