What can we do to help? What should we do?

Even in these rough times, this is part of the job of music teachers, and it is a part that professionals take seriously. Veteran music teachers are quite adept at teaching these children’s songs to memory, and the longer a teacher teaches, the more he/she values and teaches these songs. Teachers can spread the song list out over several years, and even let classroom teachers choose songs they could/would be responsible for teaching in the general classroom. Just like students get summer reading lists, music teachers could give out summer singing lists--songs to learn each summer. Teachers can work with/send lists to after school and daycare programs, encouraging them to incorporate appropriate songs into their activities.

Parents still need to be involved in the education of their children, and this is no exception, at least at the moment. But music teachers are usually both responsive and concerned about the level of education they’re providing, and you may need only to inquire about your children’s song repertoire a few times or provide the list of songs in case the teacher hasn’t received it from the district office.

It’s always good to sing these songs with your children. You, as a parent, can make an amazing difference in the level of education your child receives! Do not underestimate your power in the educational system! Often, short bursts of persistent involvement are all that is necessary J. Most teachers have received the children’s folk song list from administrators in the district office. Many may still need you to express interest / provide a copy of the songs (indicating you, also, know what should be taught) / and encourage the school and day care or after school care program to teach them.

You can find recordings of the songs at libraries, on the internet, and in music stores. You can put on the songs during times for cleaning, free play, and getting ready for school in the morning. Singing favorite songs with children makes long car trips more pleasant, and lullabies are such a nice way to put a young child to sleep.