|
|
This very short little song celebrates a
magical piece of my own childhood. I was the youngest of four
siblings, and shared a room with my brother (until I shared a room
with my sister!). Although we had many sibling squabbles over
territory, one of my fondest memories was taking turns drawing
letters on each other's backs when we couldn’t sleep. And what a
great activity for building early literacy! I am now using in my
school visits, and with my grandson. Adding the simple song expands
the activity and lends a calmness and focus to it, especially when
used in a group of children. If you are a parent or grandparent,
it’s also a very sweet activity to add to your getting-ready-for-bed
rituals. We spend so much time teaching children how to “keep their
hands to themselves,” or “stay in their own space,” that I think we
can forget how comforting- and necessary touch is.
Criss,
Cross, Applesauce
Criss cross,
applesauce,
Tiptoe, tiptoe up your back
(lightly walk
your fingers up a friend’s back)
Criss cross, applesauce,
Tiptoe down again
(lightly walk
your fingers back down)
Criss cross, applesauce,
Draw a letter on your back
Criss cross, applesauce,
Draw another letter
FOR TEACHERS:
With children sitting in a circle, practice this activity with
children “drawing” on the floor in front of them. Especially with
younger children, you can hold up the picture of the letter you want
them to draw. Older children can choose their own, and have then
have their partner guess what letter it is. Do this a couple of
times, and sing or play the downloaded song. Again, it will aid in
focusing the group. Once children have done it a couple of times,
you can have them turn sideways in the circle so every child has a
back to draw on. And don’t forget to put yourself in the circle! You
will get a wonderful massage.
And another note for teachers: try this activity at a teacher’s
meeting. I have done it in teacher workshops, and everyone enjoys
having a little “massage!”
|
 |
November
2011 Song of the Month