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Home , Conducting, Lyrics

JIM GILL: A Joyous Way to Learn!

Thirty years ago I created a weekly program in play for an agency providing programs and support for families with young children with special needs. Initially the agency professionals and families attending all looked at the program as an opportunity to gather for simple fun. After a number of weeks, however, everyone began pointing out the abilities that children were demonstrating through this play. It wasn’t long before some of the therapists were my in their sessions. Parents also noted that singing the songs with their children at home was a joyous way to continue to work, more or less, therapeutically on their own.

In other words, it was play…. but play with purpose.

I spent twenty years leading this “play” programming and continue to be influenced by what I observed…while playing. In addition to this practical work, my graduate studies in child development helped me to understand why play is the context for young children to learn and for adults to guide that learning.

I hope that you will leave this session inspired to share a new repertoire of songs and games with children that you work with and care for. Even more, I hope that you will recognize the power of play to inspire, in children, agility in thought and a love of learning.

The Marches On Oh hey oh hi hello Poison ivy Adapted from the traditional From Jim Gill Makes it Noisy in Boise... From Jim Gill Sings the Sneezing … by Jim Gill. From Jim Gill Sings Do Re Mi… In the great state of Ohio Poison ivy under bushes… From Cincinnati to Toledo Poison ivy under trees… We are marching to the , they never simply say hello… Poison ivy in the forest… We are marching to the beat. they sing "Oh hey Oh hi Hello." Poison ivy on my knees! We are lifting up our knees and we are stamping down our feet. CHORUS: CHORUS: But the song keeps getting faster Oh hey Oh hi Hello Poison ivy makes me with each verse that we complete. Oh hey Oh hi Hello Scratch scratch scratch The tempo marches on. Oh hey Oh hi Oh hey Oh hi Hello Itch and scratch my knees

CHORUS: When they're in the library Poison ivy by the daisy… Faster, faster, faster, faster. They sing it very quietly. Poison ivy by the rose… Poison ivy by the flower that I smelled Faster, faster, faster, faster. Outside in a great big crowd with my nose! Faster, faster, faster, faster. They sing together very loud. Poison ivy on the prairie… The tempo marches on. When they're sad and teary-eyed Poison ivy on the farm… they sing it even as they cry. Stick to the glue Poison ivy in the pasture… From Jim Gill Makes it Noisy in Boise… Sure they'll sing it when they're sad, Poison ivy on my arm! but they'll even sing it when they're mad. Clapping hands one and two. Poison ivy over there… Under water in the swimming pool Clapping hands one and two. Poison ivy over here… it sounds very unusual. But if one hand is covered with glue… Poison ivy all around where I sat upon my rear! you stick to the glue my darling. Whenever there's a big full moon They tend to sing it out of tune. CHORUS: Poison ivy's green like grass… Poison ivy looks like clover… Glue, glue, stick to the glue Alabama, Mississippi Glue, glue, stick to the glue And maybe that is why I am itching all over! From Jim Gill Sings the Sneezing Song… Glue, glue, stick to the glue Stick to the glue my darling. Alabama, Mississippi The sneezing song From Jim Gill Sings the Sneezing Song… Stamping feet one and two… Alabama, New Orleans

Alabama, Mississippi Please don’t feed me black-eyed peas Shaking hands one and two… Shake it on down to New Orleans You know what they will do Hugging friends one and two… Shake, Shake, Shake For if you feed me black-eyed peas Brushing teeth one and two… I’ll have to sneeze….Ah….Ah….Ah Choo! Shake it baby Shake, Shake, Shake Please don’t feed me macaroni and cheese… Toy boat Shake it baby Please don’t feed me chocolate chip cookies… From Jim Gill’s Irrational … Shake, Shake, Shake

Toy Boat. Shake it baby All songs copyright Jim Gill, Inc. REPEAT Shake it on down to New Orleans (These are the only for this tongue twister)

List of dances One from the Left Tea for two From Jim Gill Makes it Noisy in Boise…. (A finger play) "TEA FOR TWO" BY IRVING CAESAR AND VINCENT YOUMANS If you listen to the lyrics in this finger play...and let I made a list of all the dances in this song. {Derivative work by Jim Gill} ALL RIGHTS your fingers dance to the sounds of the guitar…you can I made a list so that I’d never sing them wrong. ADMINISTERED BY WB MUSIC CORP. figure out motions that will be fun for you! If you want ‘Cause it’s hard to remember All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission. to watch a video for some ideas, visit my website: From …Music Play for Folks of All Stripes and easy to forget jimgill.com. a list that is sixteen dances long. From Vote for Jim Gill Tea for two (You do) and two for tea. Another friend comes and that makes three. The tall One from the left and one from the right The small Met in the middle and danced all night. Three for tea The hop They made up a dance called "The Whoop-De- and tea for three. Do." The stop Add one more and that makes four. Then they waved goodbye and walked away... The slow those two. Four for tea The tiptoe and tea for four. The curl Two from the left and two from the right Should another friend arrive, that makes five. The twirl Met in the middle and danced all night. The hide They made up a dance called "Snips Galore." Tea for five The slide Then they waved goodbye and walked away... and five for tea. The sleep those four. Everyone's welcome! It's a tea party! The creep The slump Three from the left and three from the right My ups and downs Met in the middle and danced all night. The jump From Jim Gill Sings Do Re Mi… They made up a dance called "The Finger Mix." The sway Then they waved goodbye and walked away... As I ascend my arms extend The stay those six. And I intend to stretch my body straight— We’ve done dances like the tiptoe and the hop. As I elevate. We’ve done them but it’s still not time to stop. Four from the left and four from the right The music falls I’m getting small ‘Cause though we danced it one time Met in the middle and danced all night. I finally sprawl ‘til I can move no more— the list would seem brand new They made up a dance called "Bend and Straight." Then they waved goodbye and walked away... On the floor. if we read it from the bottom to the top. those eight. My body grows and grows until I pose on tiptoes The irrational anthem Five from the left and five from the right Did you know that the melody to “The Star Spangled Met in the middle and danced all night. I am way up high— Near the sky. Banner” is an old English tavern song? Francis Scott They made up a dance called “Clap and Clap and Key’s poem was sung to the tune of “Anacreon in Clap and Clap Again.” Soon I sink my size will shrink I’m on the Heaven” and it caught on. It took until 1931, Then they waved goodbye and walked away... brink however, for the song to officially become our national all ten. Of bruising my kneecaps— anthem. My own “Irrational Anthem” uses the same As I collapse. melody to create a game that begins simply, but builds Sliding, rolling and to irrational expectations. Jumping One last time I think I’ll climb From Jim Gill’s Irrational Anthem… This pantomime has surely been fantastic— From Jim Gill Sings Moving Rhymes… Like elastic. Oh say can you see me slap on my knee? I woke up in the morning and I slid If you'll do the same, we'll begin this new My knees bend as I descend right out of bed. game. This song must end as I am sitting down— I slid into the bathroom On the ground. Oh but say I have plans to add clapping hands. and the comb slid across my head. And this we'll repeat 'til the song is complete. I slid into the kitchen Have you seen Oh say just suppose that we tried tapping toes and I slid into a chair. The trampoline? And attempted all three simultaneously. And when I finished breakfast, From …Music Play for Folks of All Stripes Oh say have you tried to sway side to side? I slid right out of there. Have you seen the trampoline? Lean left, then reverse ... on this, the fourth I slid into my coat Please look around. Look what we found! verse. and I slid my way to work and then I was slid from task to task Have you seen the trampoline? Oh say I'll advise that you now close your eyes. and slid back home again. Please look some more. It's on the floor! And let me remark ... it's more fun in the dark. I slid into the kitchen and when I was well fed Have you seen the trampoline? Oh say one more thing. Do you think you I slid into my pajamas and I slid back into It's gone and then it's back again! could sing? La la la la la la la la la la la la...... bed. Have you seen the trampoline? (Repeat for Rolled and Jump) It's hard to lose. It's in our shoes!

All songs copyright Jim Gill, Inc.

Bouncing, Hopping and Beethoven’s Spin again…again Jumping Five finger play Children can, of course, take turns spinning while From Vote for Jim Gill From …Music Play for Folks of All Stripes their name is inserted into the song. From Jim Gill Sings Do Re Mi… The time has come...show me your thumb. One thing on my list There was a girl named Lucy Finnegan. Of things I can’t resist is bouncing. Next thing to do...pointers out too. Middles extend...as they unbend. She would spin and spin and spin again. When the song was over she’d beg to begin again. Ring fingers next...flex them outstretched. I just can’t explain Poor Lucy Finnegan. Why I can’t from bouncing. No time to wait...pinkies out straight. Here are the plans. Jump up, turn around Please clap those hands! Of course it’s a curse From Jim Gill Sings Moving Rhymes… But there are things that are worse Simple motions and a simply rhyme. Than bouncing. Alabama, Mississippi From Jim Gill Sings the Sneezing Song… Say it as you play it and repeat two times.

One more thing on my list Alabama, Mississippi Jump up Of things I can’t resist is hopping. Alabama, New Orleans Turn around Alabama, Mississippi Clap your hands I just can’t explain Shake it on down to New Orleans Stamp the ground REPEAT Why I can’t refrain from hopping. Shake, Shake, Shake Shake it baby Let’s play it again, but this time try Of course it’s a curse Shake, Shake, Shake To say it as you play and stretch your arms But there are things that are worse Up high. Shake it baby Than hopping. Shake, Shake, Shake Let me suggest that this time you might Shake it baby Say it as you play it with your eyes The last thing on my list Shake it on down to New Orleans closed tight. Of things I can’t resist is jumping. Get ready my friends to take a deep breath

Play Guitar Because I challenge you to play it as you hold I just can’t explain Simply listen and add the motions. Lots of toddlers and Your breath! Why I can’t refrain from jumping. preschoolers are sure to pretend to play along! From Vote for Jim Gill Jumping and counting Of course it’s a curse From Jim Gill’s Irrational Anthem… But there are things that are worse Ride a horse. Than jumping. Row a boat. Jump Jump Jump Jump Drive a car. Jumping high are we. One thing I am learning is Play guitar. But we'll stop jumping While we count to three. I keep returning to Bouncing and hopping and jumping. Bounce a basketball. Jump Jump Jump Jump Toss it high. Jumping even more. Yes I have attractions Shoot it far. But we'll stop jumping To these three rapid actions: Play guitar. While we count to four. Bouncing and hopping and jumping. Jump Jump Jump Jump You can play the drums. Just like pogo sticks. When I think to compare And it’s fun to play the bass. But let's stop jumping I end up in the air And of course you don’t need me to say While we count to six. When I’m bouncing…and hopping…and What other instrument you can play. jumping. Jump Jump Jump Jump Wave goodbye. Jumping then we wait. Silly dance contest Adios. We stop our jumping While we count to eight. From Jim Gill Sings the Sneezing Song… Au revoir. Play guitar. Jump Jump Jump Jump Dance any way you want to Jumping once again. Dance any way you please May there But we'll be finished Dance any way you want to always be sunshine Once we count to ten. But stop when I say freeze. From Jim Gill Sings the Sneezing Song… Jump as high as you want to… and Jim Gill’s Irrational Anthem…

Dance as fast as you want to… May there always be sunshine Dance as slow as you want to… May there always be blue skies May there always be mama All songs copyright Jim Gill, Inc.

May there always be me Can Be Fun Face the facts VOTE FOR JIM GILL Based on Eine kleine Nachtmusik (Serenade No. 13 From Jim Gill Sings Moving Rhymes… To Play: Begin sitting down. When you hear the for strings in G major) by . words, point to your nose (knows), knees (need), back, From Vote for Jim Gill Oh…I must face the fact. and the top of your head (top). Stand up. Place both My swimming arms are back. hands on your head (ahead). Bend fingers to show One and one. Conducting can be fun. Oh we must face the fact. knuckles. Point to your waist. Point to shoulders and (Use just your two index fingers to pretend to Our swimming arms are back. face. Point to your stomach (guts) and your temple (to conduct the .) They are splashing, flapping, stretching, indicate your mind). Point to your rear (behind) and your rear once again (bottom). Sit down (seat) and lapping one full mile exact. We must face the fact. point to your legs (legacy) and stamp your feet one at a Two and two. Just wave them as I do. time (defeat). Our swimming arms are back. (Now use your index and middle fingers to From Vote for Jim Gill pretend to conduct the musicians.) REPEAT WITH: …scissor legs… Everyone knows what we need to get back Three and three. Conduct a symphony. They are cutting, clipping, slicing, snipping, to the top. (Use your index, middle and ring fingers to trimming the rick rack. We must stand for the right to get ahead. pretend to conduct the musicians.)

…driving hands… Let's knuckle down and cut the waste. Four and four. A score. They are guiding, steering, turning, veering Shoulder burdens that we face. (Add your pinky fingers this time and pretend to my air Cadillac.. conduct the musicians with four fingers on each Have the guts, if you don't mind, to get hand.) …binocular eyes… behind this candidacy.

They are peering, peeking, scanning, seeking Five and five. Now that two hands have needles in haystacks. We can rise from the bottom and win this arrived, seat Conduct with me this Mozart finale! …jumping jacks … and our legacy will be their defeat. (Use both hands with all fingers and thumbs to They are bounding, flapping, jumping, conduct the finale in dramatic fashion!) clapping, picking up the slack. Knuckles Knees

From Jim Gill Sings Do Re Mi…

Toe Leg Knee Knuckles knees Point to each body part as you sing Knuckles nose the words up and down like a musical scale or “DO RE MI.” Knuckles tummy Knuckles toes From Jim Gill Sings Do Re Mi…

Toe, leg, knee, arm, elbow, jaw, teeth, nose. Knuckles hair Nose, teeth, jaw, elbow, arm, knee leg, toe. Knuckles hips Knuckles legs Knuckles lips All songs copyright Jim Gill, Inc. Knuckles straight Knuckles bend Knuckles knuckles That’s the end.

YOU CAN ORDER JIM’S CDS AND BOOKS ONLINE AT WWW.JIMGILL.COM

Jim Gill is a and author with unique credentials among children’s artists. Jim is a child development specialist, having completed his graduate studies in child development at the Erikson Institute of Chicago with a special emphasis on the study of play. For this reason, each of Jim’s recordings and books is created as an opportunity for playful interactions between a child and a caring adult. In addition to his studies, Jim’s 20 years of experience creating and leading play groups for families with children with special needs has informed his work. Jim led weekly music play programs at numerous therapeutic and family support agencies in the Chicago area. His unique writing style — combining word play and movement opportunities into songs — was inspired by this work. Just as important, his strategies to promote family involvement in his were developed through these weekly sessions.

Jim has released seven award-winnings CDs of music play for young children that are favorites in family rooms, classrooms and playrooms. He is also the author of two children’s books. His latest, A Soup , is a sing-along opera inspired by concerts that Jim performs with symphony . The book received an American Library Association award in 2010. Jim has received five separate awards from the American Library Association for his recordings and books over the years.