Getting Acquainted: Singing Names

You might introduce this to the class by learning the original version. "Where is Thumpkin," first so kids clearly know the sequence of the song.

Objectives

Children ages 4-5 can notice and recall who is missing from classroom Lang. IIB
ages 2-2 ½ can join in nursery rhymes or songs Lang. IIB
identify child by pointing or vocalizing.

 
 
 

Materials

Song: To the tune of "Where is Thumbkin?"
Where is ___(child's name)___?
Where is ___(child's name)___?
There (s)he is! There (s)he is!
How are you today, friend?
Very well, I thank you. (In response.)
Run away! Run away!

Procedures

1. Have children sit in a circle. Teacher begins singing and children join in. When singing "Where is ___(name)___?" teacher pretends to be unable to find the child. When children have pointed to the discovered child, everyone sings and points, "There (s)he is. There (s)he is." As the group gets familiar with the song, each child may sing the answer, "Here I am" and come to the front to shake hands with the teacher. Teacher and group should extend a greeting to the child by singing "How are you today, friend?" in a dramatic and sincere way by shaking hands, hugging, or waving to the child. Child may respond, "Very well, I thank you." (Or group may help shy individual by singing along.) Children may "Run away" by hiding heads or turning backs to circle.

2. On to the next child. Keep the tempo steady and lively and cheerfully coax the children into singing responses on cue.

3. Sing the name of a child who is absent and group can sing "(S)he's not here. (S)he's not here."