Themes & Variations

Author: Artie Almeida
Format: Book with Media Online
Subject: Classroom Materials

Artie Almeida: I grew up in a singing family and singing has brought me joy my entire life. During my thirty-eight years as an elementary music instructor, each day was brighter because I got to sing with children. Whether it was happy songs we sang, somber songs that helped us work through challenging events, or silly songs created by the little folks . . . singing was the heart of the program.

The scientifically proven benefits of singing have been detailed in a multitude of publications. A small sampling of the rewards that singing brings includes building community and a sense of belonging, a lifting of mood, stress relief, coping with grief, immune system stimulation, increased lung function and much more. While these statistics are a fabulous statement about the value of singing, we know that our students just want to sing joyfully . . . with their friends . . . as often as possible.

Every child needs a pocketful of songs that they can carry with them throughout their childhood and share with friends and family. My hope was that I could provide my students with a huge assortment of songs for them to access in a variety of special occasions and situations.

Song List:

• Action Songs
  • 1. My Bonnie
  • 2. Down to the Baker's Shop
  • 3. Chester
  • 4. Long-Legged Sailor
  • 5. Ridin' in a Buggy
  • 6. Five Little Ducks
  • 7. Allison's Camel
  • 8. Six Blue Pigeons
• Songs with Props
  • 9. Chumbara
  • 10. Five Green and Speckled Frogs
  • 11. There's a Spider on the Floor
• Audiation Songs
  • 12. Little Cabin in the Wood
  • 13. Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree
  • 14. Swimming, Swimming
  • 15. The Horse Went Around
• Echo Songs
  • 16. Goin' on a Picnic
  • 17. Charlie Over the Ocean
  • 18. No More Pie
• Singing Game
  • 19. Seven Steps
  • 20. Wishy Washy