Circle Time Song | 1 – 2 – 3 Clap Your Hands With Me

I know it’s a tumultuous time in the world right now. Believe it or not, I think this simple Circle Time song can help!

 

During times like these, It can be very challenging to find a balance between staying aware of all that’s going on out there, and trying to be a calm and positive presence for the little ones in our lives.

 

One of the best ways to make young children (and many adults!) feel safe and secure is by having a routine.

(I talked about routines A LOT in my Transition Songs Workshop last week in the Preschool Teachers Toolbox.)

Little ones cannot tell time, so having a routine helps them to know “what comes next” and helps them to relax and feel secure and anchors them in the present moment, joyfully.

So – even if you’re not feeling your best, or preoccupied by world events, lean into the routine – it will get YOU present with your little ones, and help them to feel secure (even if you’re not feeling that way yourself.)

So today I’m going back to basics with a Circle Time Song that perhaps you can you in your Circle Time routine – or other routines throughout the day.

If you don’t have a morning routine, you can start one today with this week’s video! Today’s song is one that I’ve often used  in my morning routine or to start a class called:

1 – 2 – 3 Clap Your Hands With Me!

(In the video I also give some ways you can adapt the song to add children’s names or use it as a Transition song!)

 

 

 

BENEFITS OF THIS SONG:

• MOVEMENT ENGAGES MIND & BODY: This is a song with motions – and you can make those motions as big or little as you’s like. I’m a fan of movement (as we all know!) because it gets us actively engaged in the present moment: engage the body to engage the mind. So it’s a great Circle Time song because it gets and keeps the children’s attention.

• GENTLE WAY TO START THE DAY: This song has a familiar, gentle tune (The Farmer In The Dell) and is simple and repetitive. So, it’s a nice calm way to get your day, class or circle time started.

• ADAPTABLE: This song is adaptable in so many ways! You can change the movements to be whatever movements you’d like – so it can be a gross motor activity, a fine motor activity or both! You can also adapt to include children’s names and suggestions, or use it as a transition song for nearly any situation! (See video to hear these suggestions in more detail)

AND YES! This video along with my whole library AND weekly LIVE teacher workshops is also accessible on

The Preschool Teacher’s Toolbox !

I hope you find this week’s video helpful! Feel free to use it in your homes, classrooms and/or schools or share it with anyone you know who might find it useful!

Wishing you peace and a wonderful week. I’ll “see” you again next Tuesday!