Singing Games for Families, Schools, and Communities

Description …The accompanying illustrations are little touches of love as well, and just right for each song they grace. There isn’t a kindergarten or early grades classroom or homeschool, or a community potluck that wouldn’t be infused with a delicious joy by the addition of any of these song games. That this songbook/cd set is now available is a gift to all of us. — Waldorf Books Singing games carry a long and respected tradition of joyful music activity for children, adults, families, and communities. Singing and moving together in simple or complicated forms is, simply, contagious joy. Appealing to all ages—whether at home, in a classroom, or at a faculty meeting—singing games provide healthy opportunities for the lifting of spirits, sensory integration, and community building. In this active workshop designed for teachers, parents, grandparents, caregivers, and friends, participants will receive an introduction to the wisdom contained in singing games and learn a repertoire of singing games to be enjoyed in early childhood and early grades settings. In these European–American singing games, readers will find similarities to forms, themes, and melodies in singing games from many cultures. Playing these games has a harmonizing effect on groups of all ages. Anna Rainville includes games for classrooms, backyards, living rooms, seasonal festivals, birthday parties, picnics, block parties, faculty meetings, teacher workshops, conferences, and more. What sets this new book of children’s singing games apart? The sheer length of this worthy enterprise is just one of its many charms. Included here are many of the familiar games we often wish we had gathered together between two covers, but also a wealth of lesser-known, but equally worthy games. Both new and experienced teachers will be grateful to have so much material to choose from. This is an eminently practical book-the directions are clear, the drawings delightful and the keys singable. — Doug Goodkin Orff Teacher Anna Rainville animates an abundant collection of songs, some comfortingly familiar, others delightfully surprising, with timeless forms of dance. In her magical choreography, the circle, line, spiral, and square invite creative individual movement into joyful community expression of the dignity of work, the beauty of nature, the mystery of spirit, and the utter joy of moving together in rhythm and song. Practical and inspiring, this book is an indispensable resource for teachers who want to establish a strong sense of community, even family, in their classrooms. — Stephen Levy School Designer for Expeditionary Learning Schools This book is an essential resource for those seeking a way to connect children of the 21st century with their rich musical heritage. Let the singing games begin! — Crystal Olson, EdD Assistant Professor for Arts in Education, California State University, Sacramento