I don’t know about you, but I love singing. The most awesome thing about teaching is that you can sing all day long, without being judged. I sing instructions (Let’s get ready, ready, ready, let’s get ready to go outside!), things that I’m doing while I’m doing them (I’m changing your diaper, yes I am, yes I am, yes I am), or just sing songs as part of transdisciplinary activities. Kids love music and it also helps create a pleasant atmosphere in the classroom. What else do you expect from a fun day at work?

Since I started working as a kindergarten teacher, I’ve only taught non-English speakers who learn English as a foreign language (some as a second language). Music has helped me a lot, because songs are a great way to introduce new vocabulary or practice words. But I’ve only recently started creating songs – and I can’t stop.

Here’s what I do: I take well-known tunes (traditional English songs, such as 5 Little Monkeys, 5 Currant Buns, 5 Little Ducks, 10 in the Bed, Twinkle, Twinkle, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, etc.) and modify the lyrics to focus on my target vocabulary or skills. Having a tune that they already know is easier for children and it catches their attention. They also feel more confident to interact and participate in the activity. Depending on whether you want to teach new words, basic questions, work on gross motor skills, or just have a brain break, you can create different lyrics.

Here are two new musical games that I’ve created to talk about emotions, teach basic vocabulary related to emotions, and help children read emotions. Sometimes interpreting gestures doesn’t come as easy to kids as it does to us.

The two songs, as well as flash cards and props that go with them, are available for free in my TPT store, Grumpy Dumpling. Be sure to drop by to download them. Also, your feedback is highly appreciated! :)