Tuesday Tip: Morning Music

Happy Tuesday!

This Tuesday Tip is a fun one.  It was born out of a need to hurry up those slowpokes who take for-ev-er to get ready in the morning.  It's adapted from my friend Marissa's solution to kiddos who wouldn't clean up after freeplay one year.

It's cleverly called "Morning Music" because it's music I play first thing in the morning.

It's nothing more than a timed playlist or CD that you hit play on as soon as your sweeties skip through the door.  My kids know that they have to be finished putting their things away and be on the carpet with their Calendar Binder by the time the music is over.

And how do I speed them along?  I'm glad you asked!

The first song or two are usually jazzy, "I'm glad you're here"/seasonal songs.  The next two review concepts, such as word family songs, counting songs, or rhyming songs.  And the grand finale?  It's a beloved movement song.  Nothing gets those pokey puppies moving quicker than the fear of missing out on rockin' out to the Tooty Ta!

Here's a sample playlist for August/September:
Hello, How Are You?  by Dr. Jean
School is Cool by Shari Sloan
Act Out the Alphabet by Jack Hartmann
The Rules Rap by Dr. Jean

I switch them up each month and have 2-3 different playlists each month.  It keeps things fresh, yet still lets the kids know what to expect.  And it's nice to use all that great kids' music!

Tooty ta-ta,
Amanda