Today was a zigger-zagger day. Oh, boy. Children were excited, wiggly, having a hard time attending. There were tears, and sharing toys wasn’t an easy thing to do. Some days are just like that.
I knew exactly what to do. Alexa to the rescue! Yes, we have ‘Alexa’ in the classroom.
“Alexa. Play “Shout” by the Isley Brothers.”
We danced up a storm to great music. We had fun!
After that, children were happy and relaxed. Music has a magic of its own.
“Where words fail, music speaks.” –Hans Christian Anderson-
Jennie
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About Jennie
I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about.
I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
A Teacher's Reflections 
What fun!!!
I thought of adding, “If only Ritu and Sally were there to dance to Shout”. 😍
We would be there like a shot!!!! 😍
I know! I turned up the volume hoping you could hear it. 😀🎶
I bopped!!!
😀😅😍
Nothing like a good old tune and a frantic dance! 🙂 Inspired as always, Jennie. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks, Pete. I think it is wonderful that these children love the music I loved ages ago. 🙂 Best to you.
The power of music! Never fails!
That is so true! On a side note for you Opher, this year children are over the moon about singing “This Land is Your Land”. The biggest music rush in 8 years (and I do lots of using). Big things will be happening in the class room!!
Wonderful story and I also know it helps, even for adults.
How right Hans Christian Andersen was and is.
Miriam
Thank you, Miriam. It certainly helps adults, too. Listening to that song filled me up! And the quote is one
Of my favorites. 🙂
That is just wonderful. Music pulls everyone together. xo
It really does, Darlene. Thanks so much!
Yay for music!!! And singing!!! And dancing!!!
Yes, and yes, and yes!!!
Nice recovery, Jennie. They had fun, got out their energy, and reconnected. Nothing like music and dancing!
Thanks, Diana! Yes, music and dancing make everything good. 😀
Perfect song choice, Jennie.
Glad you thought so, John. A favorite of mine!
Perhaps not so appropriate or PC for your classroom, but just as effective for our family during kiddos growing up years and in need of dealing with the ‘zigger-zaggers’ as you say – our song of choice was “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” covered by the Beatles.
Oh and with plenty of popular-at-the-time headbanging by the eldest!
😉
You’re exactly right, Laura. Not the most PC thing to do, but everyone loved it, and it worked. I can relate to your family and the Beatles. Definitely! 😀
Oh, I meant that our family’s choice of song to ‘zigger-zagger’ to wasn’t the most PC for your classroom…HA!
I’m more than cool with your classroom ‘activity’!
(I especially agree with Anneli)
Oh, that’s so funny! I know exactly what you mean. And the number of non-PC songs we played in our family were many – like the Woodstock album. Interestingly, they became memory makers. Our son begged us for the album a few years ago. That was a hard one to give away, but all those non-PC family memories were far more important. Thanks, Laura!
You did exactly the right thing. Kids have so much pent-up energy these days, and this is a perfect way to release that happy excitement.
I think so, too! Thanks, Anneli. 🙂
The kids feel the tension in the air as I do. I turned on some music tonight, taking a page out of your book. Thanks for the smile at the end of this very busy day. Music is the answer to so much and bless you for knowing what to do. Sometimes my 3 year old self shows up and needs help. 😉
I’m so glad you did, Marlene. When the music played my 16 year old self showed up with the 3 year olds, and I think we all got help. Music does just that! 😀
What a great idea. I still do this at work when I get frazzled – headphones on – find music – phew.
It’s the best! 🙂
Beautiful! There’s nothing like a bit of musical fun to ease the tensions.
So true! Thank you, Norah!
Love it! Some friends with small children have that. They love to call out requests to Alexa!
Thanks, L Marie!
What a lot of fun.
It was, Robbie. Wish you were there. 😀
Sound alters vibration.. And wonderful that the mood soon changed to one of fun and laughter.. What a lovely picture of Fun.. Many thanks for sharing Jennie ❤
Thank you for your kind words, Sue. It was really, really fun. And “just what the doctor ordered.” 😀
🙂 Big smiles .. 🙂
😀
Wow, what a great idea having Alexa in the classroom! 😉
Wish you’d been there, Debby! She can be really good for music, and sometimes questions. Today I decided to show children how to ask what words mean the old fashioned way – a dictionary. Wonderful!
Now that’s a good thing! 🙂
😀
Super
Thank you!
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Thank you!