At school, we have a theme song each year. This year it is “You Belong!”, a perfect song to let children know that – no matter what – we all belong. It has become our ‘wake-up song’. When nap is over, the first thing children say is, “Can we play the wake-up song?”
And we do.
Building a sense of self is #1 with young children. That’s how they become, well, whole. Then they are able to look beyond themselves and grow the all-important social and emotional skills – kindness, giving, sticking together, and understanding.
Folks, that’s really it, all we need in life to become good people who contribute to society and to others. We adults can learn a lot from children.
Perhaps we need to put into practice what children already know.
- United we stand, divided we fall.
- No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
- Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.
- Teamwork makes the dream work.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
I love this, Jennie. And, right now, our younger members really need to understand that United we stand, divided, we fall…
Amen! Thank you, Ritu.
A fabulous song with such a great message. So needed.
Yes, and thank you, Darlene!
This is a wonderful message!
Thank you, Deborah, I feel the same way.
You’re welcome!😊
what a great song choice and such a good thing to instill early in life. this will help them throughout their entire lives and adults could benefit from this as well –
I couldn’t agree more! 😍
A great message for children and that’s a great song 😁😁😁
Yes! Thank you, Willow. 💕
A wonderful message for children and adults, Jennie.
Hear, hear. Thank you, Dan.
Wise words and thoughts are worth their weight in gold… xx Joy Lennick
You are right, Joy! Thank you.
Great points … yet I wonder, at what age do we lose this. Then again, I imagine it is a gradual process.
PS: Great song!
It is! Thank you, Frank.
That is a great question, Frank. I have thought about it often. Yes, it is a gradual process…BUT (and here is my thinking) if we give children plenty of opportunities for belonging, perhaps an overload, they will have what it takes to never lose it. Really.
Cheers to your belief in children!
😀
Bravo on teaching young minds the right things..every little bit helps fend off the garbage they have coming at them for the rest f their lives…
You are exactly right! In teaching, sometimes it’s a great group moment, like the song. Other times it’s the little moments with a child. Both are incredibly important.
Thank you, John.
I may have to adopt this song also.
I hope so! It is singing in my head 24/7.
This song is the perfect antidote to the current divisiveness in our country. Hope the kids remember when they get older.
We have loved this song in the classroom for nearly a month, but the current divisiveness sparked me to speak up and share the song. I do hope they remember the song when they get older. Thanks, Ally
And a sense of self is important all your life. Great that you build it the children, Jennie
Yes it is. Thank you, Don.
Great lessons, Jennie. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, John.
You are welcome,Jennie.
An inspirational song with the right message. The puppets in the video are perfect too.
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, and yes! Thank you, Pete.
Excellent goals to work towards, and it’s never too soon to begin teaching these important guidelines.
Exactly! Thank you, Anneli.
I teared up by the time the song ended, along with your message at the end.
Well, I tear up every day at wake-up time, too. I’m glad you like the message at the end. Thank you, Liz.
You’re welcome, Jennie.
So important during these uncertain and troubling times.
It really is, Alethea. Thank you.
A wonderful message that we all needed to hear today. Thank you.
And a child shall lead them. 🙂
Yes!
Indeed Jennie, we can learn such a lot from little children… They interact and play,
Something we have lost sight of..
Wonderful Song, and lyrics… It is time to unite the adults… xx ❤ and wake them up after their sleep! 🙂
Sending much love dearest Jennie… you Rock.. 🙂
You are so right, Sue, and beautifully said. Thank you, and much love. 💕
🙂 💖
That is a great song. An important message in today’s divisive world
Yes! Thank you.
How do I not know this song? Probably a little young for my age group, but the messages are timeless for any age.
I think it’s a newer song. Pete, your blog post was the inspiration for sharing the song and the message. You are spot on!
Hi Jennie, thank you for another wonderful post!
I’m so glad you liked it, Charles!
this is so touching!
🥰
A fantastic song and we all belong to one another. To teach children is so essential. Thanks Jennie.
True! Thank you, Kamal.
Always welcome dear Jennie 🙏🙏
😍
😊😊💗
Very nice post, Jennie. It’s great to teach small children about team work.
Yes, it is. Just what children love and need, especially when it’s inspired by music. Thank you, Robbie.
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Loved the video Jennie. Beautiful lessons for children. ❤
Thank you, Debby! 💕
❤
It’s wonderful to help children feel they are ok as they are and that they belong. Something none the kids in my family every did. I just heard from a brother I haven’t heard from for 25 years and he is still struggling with that. The kids you teach are so fortunate to have you.
Whatever is instilled in you in childhood sticks. If it’s not good, like your brother (and my cousin), you have a lifelong struggle of feeling good about yourself. It’s SO easy to give children those feelings, and it breaks my heart that every child can’t feel like they belong. Thank you for your kind words, Marlene. 🥰
I know a lot of middle schoolers who could stand to learn this lesson. Try as we might with our 12-14 year olds, it often feels like a losing battle. I’m disheartened by the unkindness I witness daily, but brightened by the unfortunately few and far between moments of empathy. We do try our best at my school to “catch” them being good and recognize it.
Well said! It makes my heart ache at the cruelty of teenagers. If we can catch them being good and make a big deal out of it, that’s important. With young children, I hope to build a foundation of kindness and belonging.
I love this song and what it teaches to everyone. Right now this message is so needed in our world. What great ideas and values to teach little ones, they are our future.
I champion all your words, Carla. We play this song every day after rest for children. They belt our the song, and each child has picked a favorite animal. Mine is the sheep. 🥰