Ever wonder how librarians learn so many rhymes and songs? Their secret weapon is the Jbrary YouTube channel, created by two Canadian youth services librarians. Try out their Fingerplays and Tickles or Body Parts Songs, Fingerplays, and Tickles playlists that are great for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. They have so many songs – one of them is bound to get stuck in your head!
Songs you can play with:
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- If You’re Happy and You Know It
- Freeze Dance:
Play music and dance. When the music is paused, stop dancing. If your child doesn’t stop, keep practicing. Continue playing through a few songs. This is a fun way to reinforce listening skills and to begin following directions. - Hokey-Pokey:
You put your left foot (or any body part) in,
You put your left foot out,
You put your left foot in, and you shake it all about!
You do the Hokey Pokey
(Raise hands, wiggle fingers, move arms—whatever you want)
And you turn yourself around
(Turn around in a full circle)
That’s what it’s all about!
(Clap with each syllable)
Bonus! All these songs help your child practice listening and following directions.