I love sharing stories about the simple, classic songs that stand the test of time in early intervention. If you also like to use music in early intervention, read more posts here.
Early Intervention Goal: Understands and Follows One-step Verbal Instructions
When I need a high-motivation, movement-based activity for teaching the ability to follow simple one step verbal instructions, I turn to an old classic: “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around!” When I start singing the song, the children know exactly what to do. It’s a joyful, musical cue that instantly gets them moving.
The Words
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, touch the ground.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, tie your shoe,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, that will do.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, climb the stairs,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, say your prayers.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn out the light.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, say goodnight.
The Actions
There are motions that you can do to go with each “command,” but you can also make them up as you go to suit your needs. For example, I
Turn around (turn around while standing in place)
Touch the ground (bend over and literally touch the floor)
Tie your shoe (bend over and touch your shoe)
That will do. (slap hands like dusting the dirt off)
Climb the stairs (make stepping motion in place)
Say your prayers (put hands together to imitate prayer)
Turn out the light (act out pulling a light switch)
Say goodnight (hands by face, pretending to sleep)
The Tune
If you are musical you can go to Beth’s Notes and learn to play one of the variations of the tune on a keyboard.
The melody doesn’t really matter because as you can see in this version, they are pretty much speaking the lyrics.
Listen to this version on you tube.
Did you sing this song as a kid jumping rope?
Recently, I mentioned using this song in my session, and my colleague—my age, working in the same field—looked blankly at me. She had never heard of it! It made me realize the nature of nursery rhymes and folk tunes. Not everyone sings the same ones.
Do you have a similar tune that encourages “following directions” through play and music? Leave a comment to share it!
All Things Early Intervention 