Joyful Littles: November Songs
This month brings colder weather, falling leaves and an opportunity to slow down and rest. Many of us will make food, gather with others and practice gratitude. I myself hold so much gratitude in my heart for all of the families and children I get to sing with every week. You all make the world brighter. I hope that these November songs help you savor this month and connect with your little ones.
xo Anne
NOVEMBER RHYMES AND FINGERPLAYS
Rhymes and Fingerplays are short, simple ways to connect with our children. Use them while you’re waiting for your food in a restaurant, snuggling before bed, or to help your child regulate.
A Pumpkin for the Pie
Here’s a pumpkin for the pie.
make a large circle with arms out in front
Apples red to bake.
hold up two fists
Turkey for the roasting pan,
hold up fists with thumbs extended
I can hardly wait!
rub palms together quickly
Mr. Duck and Mrs. Turkey
Mr. Duck went for a walk in snowy, blowy weather
Bring one hand out, shaped like the head of a duck.
Mrs. Turkey came along, they had a chat together
Bring out the other hand, shaped like a turkey head, facing the duck.
“Gobble, gobble, gobble”
The ‘turkey hand’ mimics speaking/gobbling.
“Quack, quack, quack”
The ‘duck hand’ mimics speaking/quacking
[repeat this little conversation as much as you’d like]
And then they both went back.
Both hands return behind your back.
Chip Chop
Chip, chop, chip, chop
Gathering wood for winter’s cold
Using your pointer fingers, tap one against the other keeping the beat while alternating which finger is on top.
Chip, chop, chip, chop
Better than silver, better than gold
Using pointer and middle finger, tap them together in rhythm while alternating which fingers are on top, as before.
Chip, chop, chip, chop
Put it on the fire so bright
With flat hands, ‘chop’ one hand over the other, diagonally and in rhythm, alternating which hand is on top.
Chip, chop, chip, chop
We’ll be snug in our houses tonight!
Use forearms and big motions to ‘chop’ away. End with hugging yourself on the word ‘tonight.’
[this is also a study in dynamics (soft to loud). Start with a quiet voice and build, getting louder as the actions get larger. On the last few words return to a quiet and comforting voice]
NOVEMBER SONGS
Here’s a full list of our November songs.
Song to the Sun [Traditional Zuni]
Thanks a Lot [Raffi]
Thanksgiving Waltz [Jay Ungar + Molly Mason]
Me Gusta [Lucky Diaz]
Falling Leaf [Stephanie Leavell]
The Leaves Are Green, The Nuts Are Brown
