BUILDING A BETTER WORLD
That is the title of this week’s song (by Ellen Allard) — but also a great topic/theme for this time of year! In fact, it’s a great question to ask the little ones: How can we build a better world?
Maybe you’re celebrating Earth Day throughout this week, maybe you’re struggling right now to find a way to discuss some difficult, current social issues right now in a way that’s age appropriate.
I would encourage you to start with a question. With THIS question – How Do We Build a Better World? – and then prepare to be dazzled by what your little scholars have to say!
The Latin root of the word education is “educare” – which means: to nourish; to draw out.
Isn’t that interesting? And so beautiful? I try to remember this in my parenting as well as in my teaching. To remember to nourish with learning, and draw out from the little ones (and my daughter) their understanding – to ASK them what they think and feel and what solutions THEY might have.
I’m always AMAZED at the beautiful, compassionate and thoughtful things the children come up with.
So, in honor of Earth Day you may discuss and ask the kids in your life “how to we build a better world and take care of the Earth?” and when you sing this song, you can add your own verses (and signs, too) with what the children have come up with!
HERE IS THIS WEEK’S VIDEO – A SING & SIGN ALONG SONG: WE’RE BUILDING A BETTER WORLD BY ELLEN ALLARD
*Building A Better World, ©2091, 80-Z Music All Rights Reserved Used by permission only www.ellenallard.com*
EARLY LEARNING CONCEPTS CHILDREN WILL GET FROM THIS VIDEO...
- SIGN LANGUAGE: Sign language is so good for our little ones in so many ways! It helps them work on their fine motor skills, engages them more fully in the song because they are singing AND using their bodies, AND basic signs empower young children who may not yet be speaking to with way to communicate – thereby lessening frustration and tantrums!
- CONCEPT OF WORKING TOGETHER AND DOING OUR PART: The song – whether applied globally to Earth Day, or very locally to the “world” of your classroom – can helps children to understand how an individual doing their part, contributes to the whole.
- SINGING & SPEECH DEVELOPMENT: If you’re able to sing in your classroom, this song is so beautiful and calming for the little ones – and It’s easy to learn and remember because of the repetition. Singing is ALWAYS great for speech and language development. **If due to Covid restrictions you are unable to sing in the classroom, it’s still a beautiful song to work with because the children can participate by signing along.
View video above! Here’s a link to share —> https://youtu.be/vBRDNQe6S18
XOXO
Miss Nina
