The Preschooler

Storytelling in the Car

You may have heard any number of children’s songs that begin with a short introduction and then include a list of items that is added to during each verse.  The one that comes to my mind is “Don’t put your trash in my back yard.”  The song begins by repeating the title several times, and the last time it is sung, the words, “my back yard’s full of…” are added to the end.  One at a time, players take turns adding something to the list, such as “clothes”, “crayons”, or “silverware.”  The items can be serious or silly, and each time an item is added, the song is sung again with the entire list repeated while putting the newest item at the end of the list. 

This type of song is great for helping children learn to sequence items which is an important skill for both math and language development.  Although the song above, along with many others, includes the list of items from beginning to end, some songs have children repeat the items in reverse order.  Here is a short list of sequencing songs for you to try with your child:

There are many versions of these songs as they have been slightly changed throughout the years.  They are great for passing the time in the car or while waiting at the doctor’s office. 

 *(Resource) This list found at The Traveling Music Therapist.

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Written by Laura on July 15, 2011