Hello friends! Today we’re going to have some more fun with the folk song Fall is Here. Make sure you’ve printed off the song card and checked out my last post about the ideograph for the song. Putting these companion resources in a little tray makes for a lovely song work on a Montessori shelf, or an easy center to set up in a classroom!
Today’s download is a sweet little finger puppet set. Children are so engaged by play, and it is so sweet to play together or encourage fine motor development by setting the puppets out for the young child to take on and off themselves. My 3yo is loving the puppets, so I hope you enjoy them too!
After printing them off (I would recommend printing on a sturdy card stock), cut them out and assemble the mirror images wrong sides together, gluing just the edge to create a little puppet pocket (do NOT glue the bottom edge!). You could also alternatively laminate the front and backs together and then cut open the slit at the bottom, for sturdier play. Sing through the song and as the song says “birds and flowers disappear,” hide the puppets behind your back. After the arrival of spring again, bring back the puppets on the word “reappear.” So sweet!
I know I’m a broken record at this point, but incorporating play into music learning is an incredible way to introduce purposeful repition, unlock a child’s creativity and intrinsic engagement/motivation, and build a strong culture of music and musical tradition (in both family and classroom!). Please, please, let them play. And if you’re a teacher, advocate to your administration why play is absolutely essential in the classroom.
Happy singing!
