The only thing better than singing is more singing.
—Ella Fitzgerald
Once, I heard Mimi Brodsky Chenfeld say, “If you don’t hear music within the first five minutes of being in an early childhood classroom, you’re in the wrong place!” Since that time, I evaluate every space I enter by listening for humming, spontaneous singing, instruments, or recorded music. Do you really need to put in a CD to sing a cleanup song? There are no song police, and children certainly don’t care if you can carry a tune. They only care that you sing with your whole heart and soul. Remember and share those campfire songs, silly songs, and beautiful songs. If you can’t read music, piggyback songs to tunes that you do know: “BINGO,” “Row, Row, Row, Your Boat,” or “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Just sing.
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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