Children’s musicians Erin Lee and Marci bring us the next of their regular posts with thematic recommendations for kid-friendly music, plus activities to make the songs an interactive experience for the whole family. Look for Erin Lee and Marci here on the first Monday of each month, or visit their homepage, www.gottaplay.org.
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 the singles.
Happy New Year! Have you made any New Year’s resolutions yet? If not, then you can get the ball rolling with some songs about things to work on and strive for in 2008:
“Kindness” (Steve Songs, Little Superman by SteveSongs
This is a fun, groovy tune that teaches the importance of kindness without ever getting preachy. Steve’s albums have a cool, sophisticated sound with excellent musicianship— guaranteed to not drive the grownups nuts! And, speaking of kindness, Steve is one of the kindest musicians we’ve met, so we’re always happy to have the opportunity to recommend his excellent work to families.
(No iTunes available.)
“Do It By Myself” (Imagination Movers, Eight Feet
This song celebrates learning, growing, and trying new things — not always with the best results, but with self-esteem intact. We met and befriended The Imagination Movers 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 a gem.
“This Year” (Erin Lee & Marci, Snowdance
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. So in each blog we’ll offer a tried and true accompanying activity.
Write Something New: Make a list of New Year’s Resolutions. What are some things that you would like to do that you’ve never done before? What are some things that you did this year that you now know to never do again?
Do Something New: The Narrator suggests that some rather bad things happened last year. Act out scenes that are described in the song—when the Narrator shampooed her brother’s hamster, buried the car keys, blamed her messy room on an elf. Then, act out what happened when her family discovered what she had done!