Back-to-School Music Ideas from Erin Lee and Marci

I interviewed children’s musicians Erin Lee and Marci after meeting them on the R Family cruise in July, and posted about their inclusive approach to children’s music as well as their escapades with an illegal Elmo. They’ve kindly agreed to do a regular guest post with thematic recommendations for kid-friendly music, as well as ways to make music a more interactive experience. Look for them on the first Monday of each month.

Below is their inaugural contribution. I’ve created links to Amazon for the full albums (click the album image or name), plus links to iTunes for those who want only these singles. Enjoy!

We first started writing children’s music when we ran out of relevant, child-friendly songs for our after school musical theatre class to sing from the standard kids music repertoire. But since the release of our first CD, a few wonderful things have happened: We’ve had the chance to meet and perform with some great family-friendly musicians; more and more skilled writers have begun writing music for children; AND independent kids music is now thriving on the Internet. So, we were thrilled when Dana asked us to share some of our favorite songs about some of our favorite topics with her. First up: BACK TO SCHOOL.

First-Day-of-School jitters happen to both preschoolers and seasoned fourth graders. Luckily, there are lots of songs that explore both the anticipation and the anxiety of starting school.

“First Day of School” by The Imagination Movers (Calling All Movers)

We met and befriended The Imagination Movers last summer when we were both performing on Rosie O’Donnell’s R Family Cruise to Alaska. The Movers and their families were just as friendly and accessible as their music, and this song is one of our favorites. The song’s narrator is nervous but never loses his self-confidence or sense of self-worth as he triumphs at his first day of school. This song is great for little ones just starting kindergarten or pre-k.

“Back to School” by Laughing Pizza (Share a Smile!) is a danceable pop tune for kids of all ages. Older children will relate to the lyrics, younger children will move to the easy-to-bop-to beat, and even though it’s catchy, it won’t drive parents crazy!

Our song “September March” (Snowdance) is for older kids who already know the ins and outs of the first day, and aren’t afraid to embrace their inner drama queen. In this tongue-in-cheek dirge lamenting the beginning of school, the narrator lets her imagination run wild with all the possible traumas that could befall her if her parents don’t let her just stay home.

We believe in getting kids music off of CD’s and into homes or classrooms. Whether you write something, draw something or get on your feet and do something, find an activity to tie music into daily life. Here are some activities to accompany September March:

• The narrator in this song has first-day-of-school jitters. Brainstorm what might happen to the narrator once they arrive at school that day. For older kids, have them each write a first-person narrative paragraph telling what happens once they arrive at school.
• New situations can be scary. Talk with your kids about times when they have been nervous about a new situation. What could you do to make yourself feel better when you are nervous? What could you do to make things easier for someone else who’s scared of a new situation? After discussing these ideas, act out scenes based on what you’ve discussed. For example, a child who’s nervous about coming to a new school can be approached by another student who is friendly and welcoming or a parent can comfort a child who is scared of sleeping in their new house.

For more activities, check out the “More Fun Stuff” page at our Web site: www.gottaplay.org.

Get all three of the above songs as an iTunes Mix.