Use this song to teach students a simple method for tying. Have students make large X's and O's overhead with their arms as they sing the chorus. Provide students with opportunities to practice tying after they are familiar with the words. Some stores carry sturdy string with thin wire under the fabric. The string is great to use while practicing because it holds its shape.

The words in this song tell how to move to it. For pennies hop to the front. For nickels step to the side five times and for dimes put both hands in the air and wiggle ten fingers. Use sign language for the number twenty-five to go with quarters and turn clockwise and counter clockwise.  As a visual aid you may want to use large cardboard coins.  Place the penny in the front, nickel on the side, dime overhead and the quarter behind the area that you will be dancing in.

Children love to keep the beat to this tune. Plain hand claps to the beat work fine (clap hands, slap lap in an AB pattern). You can also try rhythm sticks to keep the beat.  For another variation, divide the group into two sections.  The first group says, "the rhythm" and claps.  The second group says, "the rhythm, the rhythm" and claps.  It's great fun and the children really have to concentrate.

Use this song with lessons on the water cycle.  Have the students make rain sticks and use them during the verses.  Teach sign language for the chorus. 

For an easy rain stick project visit this page. For sign language tips visit this page.

Laughter triggers a general sense of well-being.  Use this song with lessons on feelings and focus on healthy and positive emotions.

Play this song during compliment circle or morning meeting.  While the music is playing, have students pass wax lips, large lips cut from paper or a smiley face around to each other.  When the music stops, the student holding the prop shares something that makes them feel happy or makes them smile.

Use this song with a flannel board.  Prepare 4x6 index cards with the names Eric Carle and Jan Brett. You will need 6 cards in all. For Eric Carle write his name on three cards ( Eric Car le).  Divide Jan Brett's name in the same fashion( Jan Bre tt).  During the song, remove the cards as directed. Try using your favorite authors as well.

This is a great song to use when children lose a tooth . Provide children with egg shakers and have them keep the beat during the chorus using the egg shakers.  This song can also be used in conjunction with dental health lessons.  I  recommend The Great Tooth Fairy Rip-Off and The Mixed-Up Tooth Fairy as literature connections.

"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." -John Powell
Many advances in this world were accomplished because of the successful failures of others. Help children make light of their mistakes while they are learning new things. For interesting facts and information on this subject check out Mistakes that Worked and Flight (Secret Worlds).

Move and get those wiggles out!  This song is great to foster listening, recall and sequencing skills.

Since ancient Greece, chewing gum has been enjoyed by people. There is a great deal of history and science to be learned on this subject. Children are fascinated with bubble gum and the whole process of blowing bubbles. Two books that were written by children on this subject Broccoli - Flavored Bubble Gum and One Day in the Life of BubbleGum . A great site to visit is www.dubblebubble.com for facts and history about gum and lots of fun!