When working with young children, toddlers and twos specifically, one must have a back –pocket of quick, upbeat, rhyming, action songs for children. This is often used as a distraction during those times when teachers and staff are working on self-help and hygiene skills. In elementary education they are called “time fillers” those short games that are played to keep the learning momentum active and fun.
There is no doubt about it – children love music. Singing to and with children never fails when the schedule is getting overwhelming. One song that is an “old favorite” to most adults is a new song to tots – One, Two, Buckle My Shoe. Children love it. It is quick, catchy and they really do learn to count using this rhyme. You can even switch up the words, 1,2 Velcro your shoe. 3,4 shut the door. 5, 6 popsicle sticks. 7,8 stand up straight. 9,10 sing it again. Anything you can think of will work.
A great resource is One, Two, Buckle My Shoe and Other Learning Songs illustrated by Maggie Swanson. This includes six learning songs I Had a Rooster, The Alphabet Song, Today is Monday, Mary Wore Her Red Dress and There Were Ten in the Bed. You have numbers, animals, letters, days of the week, colors, and numbers (subtraction & addition).
Hopefully, will get teachers through those rough patches in the day and keep the learning active and happy.
Teaching children One, Two, Buckle My Shoe and more.
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