Let it Snow!

While I'm sad to give up my Christmas tunes- especially Straight No Chaser, I am happy that the tri-state once again has a small dusting of snow, and that I've spent some great time with family and friends. It just doesn't seem complete this festive time of year when the ground is covered with a yucky faded greenish-brownish tint, instead of sparkling white...at least in my eyes!

I happened upon this cute activity on a website called Mommy & Me. The original suggests corresponding movements and mentions using this as an opportunity to discuss parts of a house as well as concepts of up/down, inside/outside. And the tune is a very recognizable "Farmer In the Dell." I decided to take it a few steps further by slightly altering and expanding the lyrics, as well as making a visual to go along with the song. You'll see in the accompanying picture that my cardstock "snow" can be moved to various locations of handy-dandy Velcro. As I sing about snow in one location, I often model placement of the snow for students. I'll follow that verse with lines of "Put the snow on the ___, Put the snow on the ___, White snow is everywhere, Put the snow on the ___," using the same melody.

And as for my love of Christmas music...if you'd happen to pop into my car or catch a glimpse of my iPod, you might just catch me sneaking in some holiday songs and stretching out the season! I hope you've enjoyed yours!


THE SNOW IS ON THE ROOF
The snow is on the roof
The snow is on the roof
White snow is everywhere
The snow is on the roof

Additional verses include snow on the: tree, window, door, sidewalk, car, street, ground

Perfect Timing!

I couldn't have timed today's song any better, even if I had planned it...which I did, actually...but didn't know about the weather : ). Greater Cincinnati got it's first dusting of snow this morning, so along with the headache of traffic delays comes something much more enjoyable- singing about the snow!

At work, I try to include at least one counting activity that centers around each holiday or season. So naturally, December begs for some snowy songs. I search online for simple pictures if I can't find what I need on Boardmaker, Word ClipArt, or through my own drawing skills. Small strips of Velcro are attached to the backside of each individual picture, which makes it great for accessible, no-budge counting manipulatives (in my experience, music therapists could buy stock in Velcro!). A specified number is attached to a surface with opposite-surfaced Velcro, and the counting begins!



COUNTING SNOWFLAKES
Snowflakes, snowflakes
Falling down
From the sky onto the ground
In a drift or on branches of a tree
How many snowflakes do you see?
Count them for me. *
I see...


*Depending upon the student, I may say "Count and give (specified number) to me" or "Point and count for me."