Music Together® Celebrates
March 2010
It is no accident that we celebrate Sing With Your Child Month in March—a month symbolizing rebirth and growth, which reminds us of our most precious resource—our children. When looking for activities to do with your children, remember that singing and making music doesn’t cost a dime—and it supports your children’s development, too.
As parents, we have only a finite amount of time to connect with our children before they grow up. When we take the time to sing and make music as a family, we form everlasting bonds, which ultimately allow our children to feel safe and secure as they grow, putting them on the road to future successes. In addition to the bonding that occurs when parents sing and make music with their children, the children grow into confident music-makers who are able to participate with joy in the music of their culture. And, music learning supports all learning by promoting creativity, personal expression, and social interaction.
The beauty is that making music with children does not require special skills or “musical talent.” In fact, this may be the one time in your life when the audience (your children!) will always be thrilled with your participation—and want more! These experiences will live in your children’s memories for the rest of their lives and help them develop the necessary qualities to grow into loving and confident adults.
The impact of singing and making music with your child is immeasurable, and the rewards of this simple act will help us make the world a much better place than it is now. Sing a song, grab a drum (or even a plastic bowl and wooden spoon!) and join us as we celebrate Sing With Your Child Month this March!
The “Hello Song” Around the World Music Video
Music Together families in New Jersey, California, Ireland, and China all sing “Hello, everybody!” To celebrate Sing With Your Child Month, Music Together LLC is making a “Hello Song” music video using clips submitted by families from around the world—and you can be a part of it!
Videotape your family singing your own unique version of this Music Together classic and send it in to us. Sing your name, your hometown, hello to your pets, tape yourselves at the kitchen table or by a local landmark! The final composite video will be made using as many clips as possible, and every family who submits a video clip will also have a chance to win a free semester of Music Together classes at a location near them!
Learn more and submit your clip here.
Family Music-making Activity of the Week
WEEK 2: “John the Rabbit” Verse Variation
Here’s a fun verse variation for the Music Together favorite “John the Rabbit!”
Is your son or daughter fascinated with big trucks and bulldozers? Teacher Brooke Briggs, Director of Magic Steps Music Together in San Clemente, California, came up with some fun verse variations for the song “John the Rabbit.” Sing your child’s name in place of “John!” Try it at home and let your teacher and your families know how your son or daughter liked it.
Sing to the tune of “John the Rabbit”
Oh, John the Builder. (Yes, boss)
Got a mighty dozer. (Yes, boss)
Driving in the big cut*. (Yes, boss)
Packing all the dirt down. (Yes, boss)
Oh, heavy lifting (Yes, boss)
Oh, pouring sifting (Yes, boss)
And if he works, (Yes, boss)
And builds by fall (Yes, boss)
He’ll finish the mall (Yes, boss)
And not work at all.
*A cut is a term for a construction site, per Brooke’s father, who is a crane operator!
WEEK 1: Get your family together and have a dance party!
Gina Harris, a Music Together teacher from San Diego, California, has been doing this with her seven-year-old son since he was three—that’s four years of dance nights!
Make a playlist with all of your favorite dance tunes (including some Music Together songs, of course!) and have a Disco Party USA! Turn the music up, turn the lights down (turn on a tiny disco light if you have one!), and dance and sing together until you drop! Why not make it a weekly family activity? One week you might feature favorite songs of Mommy, the next Daddy, then your child. What about Grandma or Grandpa?
Local Celebratory Events
Family sing-alongs, dance parties, open houses, and other events are being held at Music Together centers around the world in celebration of Sing With Your Child Month.
Contact the Music Together center near you to find an event in your area!
Become a fan on
Music Together LLC's
Facebook Page
