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This
very simple traditional song is magical in its ability to connect with
children. Because of that, I have developed additional versions for use with
infants through elementary-aged children. I believe the reason this song
“works,” is its melody. The melody centers around the minor third (name for
the distance between the two notes of “Blue-bird”). This interval is the
first combination of notes children sing. This is cross-cultural, so no
matter where you go, you will hear children singing these notes. Some
familiar examples are : This Old Man, “Na, na, na, na na na (children’s
teasing chant) ”, Dreydle, Dreydle, Dreydle. Any song that uses this minor
third will be easily sung by both you and the children, as it comes
naturally. So look through the variations below, and have fun with this song
for all ages. It’s sure to become a favorite! You will find both versions
(long and short) recorded and available for you to download. There is also a
pattern for the felt birds.
Bluebird Through My
Window
Bluebird,
bluebird, through my window,
Bluebird, bluebird, through my window,
Bluebird, bluebird, through my window,
Oh
Johnny I’m tired
Red bird, red bird, through my window
Red bird, red bird, through my window
Red bird, red bird, through my window
Oh
Johnny I’m tired
Yellow bird, yellow bird, through my
window
Yellow bird, yellow bird, through my
window
Yellow bird, yellow bird, through my
window
Oh
Johnny I’m tired
Purple bird, purple bird, through my
window
Purple bird, purple bird, through my
window
Purple bird, purple bird, through my
window
Oh
Johnny I’m tired
Traditional version
This is played as a circle game.
Children hold hands in a circle, arms up. One child is chosen to be a bird
who flies in and out of the “windows” created by raised arms. On last line,
children drop arms, and a new child is chosen to be the bird. If you have a
large group, you can have several birds at a time. Each one will choose a
new bird at the end of his or her turn.
Variation 1 for
Preschoolers:
Cut birds from 4 colors of felt, and give one to each child, alternating
colors. Place felt board in the middle of the circle. Sing the song once
through for each color. As you sing each color, the children with that color
bird stand and fly around the felt board until the last line, when they
place their birds on the felt board and fly back to their seats. Repeat with
other colors.
NOTE:
This song is a wonderful way to teach children how to play
circle games. Because the felt board is in the middle
of the circle, and the majority of the children remain sitting, the
“birds” may only fly exactly where you want them to. You won’t be dealing
with the usual frustrations of children cutting across the circle because
they don’t yet have the skills to play circle games.
Variation 1 for
Infants and Toddlers:
Cut out different colored felt birds. Sing shortened song (below) and slowly
fly each bird up to the flannel board as you sing. This is great for
tracking (eye exercise to follow an object)
 Bluebird Through My Window
Shortened Version
Bluebird, bluebird through my window,
(fly bird up to flannel board)
Oh
Johnny I’m tired
(rest head on hands
and say “Night, night)
Variation 3 for Infants:
Sing the shorter version, but instead of using felt
birds, use small nylon scarves or
ribbons. As you sing the song, sweep the
scarf or ribbon across babies body, toes, hands, or face, then “fly” it
slowly around, up and down, so baby can follow with his eyes. Babies love
the feeling of the cloth brushing across their skin, as well as the
movement, and will squeal with delight! Repeat with different colors.
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February
2009 Song of the Month