2015 Recap

While saying goodbye to 2015, (my grandchildren love to play dress up!) I thought I would sum up several popular posts. Perhaps many of you will enjoy refreshing your memory while others may be visiting for the first time. I sincerely hope life treats you kind in 2016 and with the New Year ahead, you will be making more fabulous memories with reading and music, especially with family and friends.

1. How to make rainsticks.
2. An Italian Family Christmas
3. Occupy pie
4. Barefoot-books-childrens-board-books
5. How to bake Greek roast lamb
6. Retro gas stations
7. Under the circus tent
8. Review: Elephant dance journey to India
9. Buzzing-with-bee-puppet
10. Dino island
11. Back-to-school-farmer-in-dell
12. Give-me-oil-in-my-lamp
13. Meet-music-mouse

Photo Credit: "Window box perfection", © 2011 Rachel Kramer, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

When one door closes, God will open another door.

He is more committed to your breakthrough than you are! I know that might sound hard to believe, but it's true.

Everything God does for us is motivated by His perfect love, so regardless if we understand our circumstances, we can trust that God is with us and that if we don't quit, He'll see us through

He'll even see us through if we do give up (He's an expert at redeeming our mistakes and failures).

Keep pressing on & never give up. When a door closes, God will open another door.

Wishing you all the best in 2016... Happy reading and a very Happy New Year!






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” -- C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2008-2015 – All rights reserved
Barefoot Books-LadyD

Kindergarten Music: Over The River and Through The Woods

Did you know that the original words to this song, written by Lydia Maria Child, originally said... "Over the river and through the woods to Grandfather's house we go"... If you're interested,  read more about the history to the song.

Below I'm sharing a few chord charts with you and a great picture book from Barefoot Books.

To Our School

Sung to: Over the River And Through the Woods

C
Over the bridges and through the streets
      F         G7            C
It's to our school we go.
        F                         C
The drivers know the way to go
               G7                      C
As they drive us safe and slow.
C
Over the bridges and through the streets
     F            G7          C
In rain and sleet and snow.
          F                                C
They drive with care, they get us there
       G7                         C
As over the streets we go.

Online Chord Chart

Over The River And Through The Woods chords
Danny Kaye (Lydia Maria Child 1844) 

G
Over the river and through the woods
   C             D7       G
To Grandmother's house we go.
    D7                     G
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
        A7                D    D7   
Through white and drifted snow.
G      
Over the river and through the woods,
    C       D7        G
Oh, how the wind does blow.
   C          D7       G
It stings the toes and bites the nose
   D        D7        G
As over the ground we go.

G
Over the river and through the woods
   C      D7          G
To have a full day of play.
    D7                     G
Oh, hear the bells ringing ting-a-ling-ling,
    A7              D   D7
For it is Christmas Day.
G
Over the river and through the woods,
     C       D7     G
Trot fast my dapple gray;
       C        D7          G
Spring o'er the ground just like a hound,
    D       D7        G
For this is Christmas Day.
G
Over the river and through the woods
    C                    D7       G
And straight through the barnyard gate.
   D7                  G
It seems that we go so dreadfully slow;
A7              D    D7
It's so hard to wait.
G
Over the river and through the woods,
    C         D7    G
Now Grandma's cap I spy.
   C       D7       G
Hurrah for fun; the pudding's done;
   D           D7      G
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie.

The Faery's Gift

About The Book

In this heartwarming Irish fairy tale, a woodcutter is given a wish as a reward for saving the life of a small faery. The woodcutter faces a dilemma: how can he use the wish in a way that will help all members of his family and change all of their lives for the better? Includes storytime CD read by actress Niamh Cusack.

Ages 3 to 7 years

Retold By: Tanya Robyn Batt

Illustrated By: Nicoletta Ceccoli

Narrated By: Niamh Cusack

Paperback w Story CD ($10.99)

*affiliate links in post*
photo credit: DSC_5555_6_7.jpg via photopin (license)

Happy Reading!






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” -- C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2008-2015 – All rights reserved
Barefoot Books-LadyD

Turkey Rests and The Mulberry Bush

                                                 

My grandchildren love to sing to the tune, The Mulberry Bush. Here are 7 songs for your classroom or for homeschool.

Start the Day With a Smile

C

This is the way we start the day,

G

Start the day, start the day.

C

This is the way we start the day,

      G                C

So early in the morning.

C

First we smile and shake a hand,

G

Shake a hand, shake a hand.

C

First we smile and shake a hand,

     G                 C

So early in the morning.

C

Then we sit down quietly,

G

Quietly, quietly.

C

Then we sit down quietly,

      G                C

So early in the morning.

C

We listen very carefully,

G

Carefully, carefully.

       C

We listen very carefully,

       G                C

So early in the morning.

Today's Helpers

C

Todd will be the helper today,

G

Helper today, helper today.

C

Todd will be the helper today,

G                       C

He will put the blocks away.

(Substitute the name of one of your children for the name Todd, and the appropriate job for the phrase put the blocks away. 

Let's Pick Up Today

C

Let's pick up the blocks today,

        G

The blocks today, the blocks today.

C

Let's pick up the blocks today,

        G                   C

And put them all away.

Additional verses: Let's pick up the toys today; Let's pick up the books today; Let's pick up the puzzles today; etc. 

Shapes In the Air

C

This is a circle as you can see,

(Draw a circle in the air with your finger.)

G

You can see, you can see.

C

This is a circle as you can see,

          G                  C

Now draw it in the air with me.

(Repeat for other shapes.)

Calendar Song

       C

The calendar shows the name of the month,

        G

The name of the month, the name of the month.

        C

The calendar shows the name of the month,

        G                           C

For every month of the year.

        C

The calendar shows the days of the week,

        G

The days of the week, the days of the week.

         C

The calendar shows the days of the week, 

        G                            C

For every month of the year.

        C

The calendar shows the dates of the month,

        G

The dates of the month, the dates of the month.

         C

The calendar shows the dates of the month,

        G                            C

For every month of the year.

C

Today is the first day of the month,

G

Day of the month, day of the month.

C

Today is the first day of the month,

G                               C

Of the month of September.

(Substitute the appropriate date and month for the words first and September.)

There Are Seven Days

C

There are seven days in the week,

G

Days in the week, days in the week.

C

There are seven days in the week,

        G                         C

And now I'll say them all.

              G

There's Sunday, Monday and Tuesday,

G

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

C

Saturday ends our week, now,

G                             C

Aren't you proud of me?

Bundling Up

C

This is the way we put on our coats,

G

Put on our coats, put on our coats.

C

This is the way we put on our coats.

     G                        C

To keep our bodies warm.

Additional verses: This is the way we put on our mittens to keep our hands warm; This is the way we put on our snow pants to keep our legs warm; This is the way we put on our boots to keep our feet warm; This is the way we put on our hats to keep our heads warm.

Barefoot Books

Two great books that come to mind for Fall reading, this delightful counting book, 'One Moose, Twenty Mice' and paperback book with great music song, 'Driving My Tractor.' For more details, click on my daughter's photo in the side bar.

Since it's almost turkey time, my grandchildren and I made these fun turkey pinecones. We used them in piano lessons to learn about music rests. (shhh, don't play!) Then I gave them to my students to celebrate our Thanksgiving break. You can see the post, here. So simple to make by twisting rainbow pipe cleaners!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers! Wishing you joy around your table with family and friends!


 photo credit: Abstract Tree via photopin (license)



-- LadyD


“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” -- C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2008-2015 – All rights reserved
Barefoot Books-LadyD

Kindergarten Music: Paw, Paw Patch

I've noticed that whenever my piano students come to lessons and begin to sit down and play their set of songs, well... here comes my cat Jazz! Yep, I guess she wants to learn Pentascales, too!

Some great songs for Pre-K and Kindergarten are sung to the tune, "Paw, Paw Patch." I really like this fun, spirited song! Are you familiar? We'll be using

Songs sung to Paw, Paw Patch

Where, Oh Where?

F

Where, oh where, oh where is Ryan?

C7

Where, oh where, oh where is Ryan?

F

Where, oh where, oh where is Ryan?

        C7                             F

He's waving his hand for all to see.

        F

He's slowly walking around the circle,

(Children clap hands)

         C7

He's slowly walking around the circle.

         F

He's slowly walking around the circle,

         C7                           F

He's waving his hand for all to see.

Substitute the name of one of your children for the name Ryan. Substitute other actions such as hopping, crawling or tiptoeing for walking.

Welcome to Our School

F

Brian, welcome to our school,

C7

Brian, welcome to our school,

F

Brian, welcome to our school,

                C7                       F

We're so glad that you are here with us.

Substitute the name of one of your children for the name Brian, and the name of your group for the word school.

Picking Up an A

F

Picking up an A and putting it in the basket,
C7

Picking up an A and putting it in the basket,
F

Picking up an A and putting it in the basket,
C7                                    F

Way down yonder in the letter patch.

Write alphabet letters on index cards and place the cards on the floor. Put a basket in the middle of the floor. As you sing the song, have the children pick up cards with the letter A written on them and put them in the basket. Continue with other letters as desired.

Cleo Books by Stella Blackstone and Caroline Mockford

Click on link to shop: Cleo The Cat - Book Sale

photo credit: Rupert about to stretch via photopin (license)
songs from: Totline Piggyback Songs for School

*affiliate links in post*

Have you heard the news? Daria is having a give away! Be sure and visit her on FB! jingle-bells-craft-book-christmas-cd-giveaway

Happy reading! Happy singing!

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” -- C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2008-2015 – All rights reserved
Barefoot Books-LadyD

Kindergarten Music: Sing a Song Of Sixpence

                                          Photo Credit: (license)

A sixpence sometimes known as a tanner or sixpenny bit, was a coin worth one-fortieth of a pound sterling, or six pence. It was first minted in the reign of Edward VI and circulated until 1980. Following decimalization in 1970 it had a value of 2½ new pence. The coin was made from silver from its introduction in 1551 to 1947, and thereafter in cupronickel. For more information, visit British Coin. Also, you can read more about the sum of Six Pennies and its origin.

When you're talking with young children about Concepts, (like numbers and seasons), a few songs come to mind sung to the tune "Sing a Song Of Sixpence." It is is a well-known English nursery rhyme, perhaps originating in the 18th century.

Sing a Song Of Numbers

C

Sing a song of numbers,

G7

Count them one by one.

Sing a  song of numbers,

           C

We've only just begun.

One-two-three-four-five-six,

F

Seven-eight-nine-ten.

G7

When we finish counting them,

                                  C

We'll start them once again.

Sing a Song Of Springtime

C

Sing a song of springtime,

G7

Birds fill the air.

Plants are sprouting up again,

              C

And the weather's fair.

The sun is bright and warm with

G

Blossoms on the way.

Isn't it time for

                                 C

A wonderful spring day?

Frost Is In the Air

C

Sing a song of winter,

G7

Frost is in the air.

Sing a song of winter,

C

Snowflakes everywhere.

Sing a song of winter,

G

Hear the sleigh bells chime.

Can you think of anything

                             C

As nice as wintertime?

About This Book

Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, Little Bo Peep — the nursery-rhyme characters in this bright book are as familiar as a favorite pair of cozy slippers. From the shortest nonsense ditty to full stories like "Goldilocks" and "The Three Little Pigs," all twenty-five of these classic rhymes and tales features fresh illustrations by Jane Chapman in bold colors and flat, simple shapes that will appeal to the youngest of children.

Sing a Song of Sixpence (Sesame Beginnings)

Sing a Song of Sixpence (audible)

*affiliate links in post*

Happy reading and singing!





“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” -- C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2008-2015 – All rights reserved
Barefoot Books-LadyD

Mr. Moo Moo and Pokey: Kindergarten Music

photo credit: mr moo moo and pokey.jpg via photopin (license) 

Everyone knows the song, The Hokey Pokey but what about its origin? Well, In 1942 an Irish songwriter and publisher Jimmy Kennedy, best known for "The Teddy Bear's Picnic," created a dance, and an instructional song to go with it, called "The Hokey Cokey."

Written to entertain Canadian troops stationed in London, the song was similar to the "Hokey Pokey" we all know today.

"You put your right foot in,
You put your right foot out,
You put your right foot in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the Hokey Pokey,
And you turn it all around,
That's what it's all about..."

Hokey Pokey from the album, Hokey Pokey Kids Party

Here are four songs for your preschoolers and kindergarteners to sing.

Move So Fine In Line

Sung to: Hokey-Pokey

C

We keep our eyes straight ahead,

We keep our hands at our side,

We keep our feet so, so quiet,

     G

As right out the door we glide.

We move so fine in line,

No one turns themselves around ---

                              C

That's what it's all about!

Cleanup Pokey

Sung to: Hokey-Pokey

C

You pick your first block up,

You put your first block down,

You pick your next block up,

                G

And you shake it all around.

You do the cleanup pokey,

And you put your things away ----

                               C

That's what it's all about.

Germs Will Make You Sick

Sung to: Hokey-Pokey

C

Germs are really mean,

But they can't be seen,

They will make you sick.
           G
Then you will feel "ick."

Use some soap and water,

Scrub your hands to get them clean ---
                                  C
Clean's what it's all about!

Give It a Shakey-Shakey

Sung to Hokey-Pokey

C

You put one finger up,

You put one finger down,

You put one finger up,

                G

And you shake it all around.

You give it a shakey-shakey,

And you turn it all about ---

                                        C

That's how you learn to count.

C

You put two fingers up,

You put two fingers down,

You put two fingers up,

                G

And you shake them all around.

You give them a shakey-shakey,

And you turn them all about ---

                                       C

That's how you learn to count.

(Song Credit: Totline Piggyback Songs for School)

Have fun!






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” -- C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2008-2015 – All rights reserved
Barefoot Books-LadyD

Kindergarten Music: Muffin Man

Songs for Starting The New Year

Have You Met a Friend Of Mine?

F
Have you met a friend of mine,
     G7                      C
A friend of mine, a friend of mine?
F
Have you met a friend of mine?
G     C          F
Her name is Joanie.

(Substitute one of your children's names for the name Joanie.

The Name Game

F

Welcome, welcome, all my friends.

          G7                       C7

We'll learn your names through this game.

F

Stand up, Nick, it is your turn

G7       C7            F

Take a block and then return.

(Place one block for each child in a pile. Have the children sit in a circle around the blocks. Sing a verse for one of your children. Have the child named stand up, take one of the blocks and return to his or her place. Repeat until each child has had a turn.)

Time For School

Lunch With All the Bunch

F

Now it's time to have some lunch,

G7                          C7

Time to lunch with all the bunch.

F

Now it's time to have some lunch,

         G7               C7      F

Let's munch with all the bunch.

Learning About Ourselves And Others

Please And Thank You

F

Please and thank you, how are you?

     G7                   C7

Polite words will always do.

F

Friends feel good and you will too.

G7    G             F

I can use them, how 'bout you?

Super Star

       F

Oh, do you know a super star,

     G7               C

A super star, a super star?

        F

Oh, yes, I know a super star.

         G7    C       F

The super star is me!

Who's Birthday?

       F

Oh, do you know the birthday boy,

        G7                       C

The birthday boy, the birthday boy?

        F

Oh, yes, I know the birthday boy,

        G7         C        F

The birthday boy is John.

        F

Oh, do you know how old he is,

          G7                  C

How old he is, how old he is?

        F

Oh, yes, I know how old he is,

        G7        C         F

The birthday boy is four.

(Substitute the name and the age of the birthday child for those in the song.)

Do You Know?

F

Do you know the principal,

         G7               C7

The principal, the principal?

        F

Oh, do you know the principal?

       G7        C7    F

Her name is Mrs. Jones.

(Substitute the title and name of one of your school helpers for the title principal and the name Mrs. Jones.)

Concepts

What Shape Is This?

F

Do you know what shape this is,

          G7                         C

What shape this is, what shape this is?

F

Do you know what shape this is

       G7       C        F

I'm holding in my hand?

What Time Is It?

F

Do you know what time it is,

          G7                   C

What time it is, what time it is?

F

Do you know what time it is?

G7    C            F

Let's look and see.

      F

It's 12 o'clock and all is well,

       G7                  C

It's 12 o'clock and all is well,

       F

It's 12 o'clock and all is well,

G7     C         F

All is well today.

(Substitute the name of the actual time for the words 12 o'clock.)

Do You Know What Time It Is?

F

Do you know what time it is,

G7                    C

What time it is, what time it is?

F

Do you know what time it is?

G7     C       F

Look at the clock.

        F

The big hand is on the number 12,

        G7                    C

The number 12, the number 12.

         F

The big hand is on the number 12,

G7  C         F

On our big clock.

         F

The small hand is on the number 2,

         G7                 C

The number 2, the number 2.

        F

The small hand is on the number 2,

G7  C          F

On our big clock.

F

That means it is two o'clock,

G7                 C

Two o'clock, two o'clock.

F

That means it is two o'clock.

G7         C        F

Time to go outside.

(Substitute the names of the appropriate numbers, time and activity for the ones in the song.)

Kid's Kitchen Card Deck

About Kids' Kitchen

Encourage budding chefs to create tasty meals with 40 laminated recipe cards that feature nutritious vegetarian dishes from around the world. Unique recipes ranging from the familiar to the exotic are divided into five color-coded categories to reflect the major food groups. Simple step-by-step instructions put kids in control as they learn that cooking is more than an art — it's a science! Includes 8-page booklet with information on nutrition, kitchen safety and terminology. This edition has been updated with even tastier recipes.

For all ages

Recipes on this blog:

How-to-bake-greek-roast-lamb

Kids-kitchen

Pumpkin-pie-play-dough

Spooky-recipes-for-Halloween

Happy singing, reading, cooking and eating!

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” -- C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2008-2015 – All rights reserved
Barefoot Books-LadyD

The Farmer in the Dell Songs (Part 2)

Last week I posted tons of songs (to the tune, The Farmer In The Dell) for you to use in your kindergarten classroom, using two chords (D and A7). Let's continue with some additional songs to add to our library.

We Love It So

      D

It's time to have a snack,

It's time to have a snack.

Yum, yum, we love it so,

       A7                  D

It's time to have a snack.

          D

We'll have to wash our hands,

We'll have to wash our hands.

Yum, yum, we love it so,

           A7                    D

We'll wash before we snack.

          D

We'll eat a healthy treat,

We'll eat a healthy treat.

Yum, yum, we love it so,

          A7                  D

We'll eat a healthful treat.

Good Helpers

           D

Good helpers we will be,

Good helpers we will be.

We pick up our toys and put them away

                       A7        D

Good helpers we will be.

(Substitute the names of other items to be put away for the word toys.)

We're Picking Up Our Toys

            D

We're picking up our toys

We're picking up our toys,

Heigh-ho-the-derry-oh

                       A7       D

We're picking up our toys.

(Additional verses: We're picking up our books; We're picking up our puzzles; We're picking up our games, etc.)

We Had a Happy Day

      D

It's time to go home,

It's time to go home,

Wave good-bye to everyone,

      A7            D

It's time to go home.

       D

We had a happy day,

We had a happy day.

Wave good-bye to everyone,

        A7               D

We had a happy day.

          D

We'll see you again,

We'll see you again,

Wave good-bye to everyone,

          A7         D

We'll see you again.

Manners Are the Way

F

Manners are the way,

To brighten up my day.

Please and thank you's what I say

        G                     F

To brighten up my day.

The Color Song

    D

If you are wearing blue,

If you are wearing blue,

Stand up tall and turn around

         A7                        D

And then sit right back down.

(Repeat with other colors)

The Shapes Are On the Floor

         D

The shapes are on the floor,

The shapes are on the floor.

Pick one up and guess its name,

         A7                            D

And then we'll pick some more.

(Place a variety of shapes on the floor. As you sing the song, have each child pick up a shape. At the end of the song, have each child name his or her shape then put it back on the floor.)

Kindergarten Music: Frere Jacques

Back to School: Row Row Row Your Boat

Back to School: I'm a Little Teapot

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” -- C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2008-2015 – All rights reserved
Barefoot Books-LadyD

Back To School: The Farmer In the Dell

The Farmer In the Dell is a very popular tune with an easy melodic rhyme to sing as well. With simple words and two easy chords to play, you're on your way with some fun classroom songs.

"The Farmer in the Dell" is a singing game, nursery rhyme and children's song. It probably originated in Germany around 1826, and was brought to North America by immigrants. It spread widely and of course there are many geographic variations. For more information, visit https://en.wikipedia.org

Yes, country living is for us. We enjoy farming avocados on 2 1/2 acres of land in SoCal. One of our five grandchildren decided to be a farm helper. Many hands make the work go quickly!

Let's Clap And  Jump

           D

We're happy Hope is here,
We're happy Hope is here.
Let's clap and jump and turn around,
                      A7       D
We're happy Hope is here.

(Substitute the name of one of your children for the name Hope. Have that child stand in the center of the circle or next to you as the song is sung. Then let that child choose the next child to be sung to.)

We Like to Come to School

       D

We like to come to school,

We like to come to school.

Our school is such a happy place,

                 A7

We like to come to school.

(Substitute the words terrific, great, yummy, friendly, fun, exciting, etc. for the word happy.

I Like to Go to School

  D

I like to go to school,

I like to go to school.

Heigh-ho-the-derry-oh,

  A7                D

I like to go to school.

(Additional verses: I like to look at books; I like to build with blocks; I like to listen to stories; I like to draw and paint; I like to sing new songs; I like to play with friends.)

I'm Glad You Came to School

D

I'm glad you came to school,

I'm glad you came to school.

I've planned lots of fun for you,

                      A7        D

I'm glad you came to school.

      D

It's time for you to go,

It's time for you to go.

I'll see you tomorrow,

                     A7      D

But now it's time to go.

Greeting Song

Teacher:

       D

I'm glad you came today,

I'm glad you came today.

Hello, hello to everyone,

(Wave hello)

       A7                      D

I'm glad you came today.

Children:

           D

We're glad we came today,

We're glad we came today.

Hello, hello to everyone,

(Wave hello.)

           A7                     D

We're glad we came today.

All:

           D

We'll work and play today,

We'll work and play today.

Hello, hello to everyone,

(Wave hello.)

           A7                     D

We'll work and play today.

It's Time For Show And Tell

      D

It's time for show and tell,

It's time for show and tell.

Hey, hey it's lots of fun,

                    A7           D

It's time for show and tell.

Sharing

      D

It's Jeff's turn to share,

It's Jeff's turn to share.

Let's look and see what Jeff has brought

      A7                D

It's Jeff's turn to share.

(Substitute the name of one of your children for the name Jeff.)

Away We Go

D

Playtime is here,

Playtime is here.

Heigh-ho and away we go,

       A7       D

Playtime is here.

(Substitute other special times such as snack-time, lunchtime, nap-time, etc. for playtime.)

It's Time

D

It's time to come to group,

It's time to come to group.

Come on over, find a seat,

                  A7          D

It's time to come to group.

Have fun with the songs!

Book Recommend: The Farmer in the Dell by llse Plume. (Ages 4 and up)

A beautiful Amish farmer children's picture book for pre-schoolers to enjoy.

The Farmer In The Dell

Happy Reading!

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” -- C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2008-2015 – All rights reserved
Barefoot Books-LadyD