Jump Up, Turn around, Cross the Midline
Jump up, turn around, cross the midline, (Jump, turn, stretch arms left.)
Jump up, turn around, cross it every day. (Jump, turn, stretch arms right.)
Jump up, turn around, cross the midline,
Jump up, turn around, let’s see how many ways.
Bend low and pick that bean. (Bend down to the left with right hand.)
Bend low and pick that pea. (Bend down to the right with left hand.)
Bend low and pick that berry.
Bend low and get that squash for me.
Jump up stretch and pick that apple. (High to the left with right hand.)
Jump up stretch and pick that pear. (High to the right with left hand.)
Jump up stretch and pick that cherry.
Jump up and get that orange over there...
Cross Lateral Connections
Have children put their two fists together to make their “brain.” Explain that both sides of the brain have to work together. Draw an imaginary line down the middle of your body. That’s the midline. Crossing over that imaginary line builds bridges in their brain. Put a piece of masking tape or painter’s tape down their bodies so they can visually see how they cross the midline when they sing the song.
Jump up, turn around, cross the midline, (Jump, turn, stretch arms left.)
Jump up, turn around, cross it every day. (Jump, turn, stretch arms right.)
Jump up, turn around, cross the midline,
Jump up, turn around, let’s see how many ways.
Bend low and pick that bean. (Bend down to the left with right hand.)
Bend low and pick that pea. (Bend down to the right with left hand.)
Bend low and pick that berry.
Bend low and get that squash for me.
Jump up stretch and pick that apple. (High to the left with right hand.)
Jump up stretch and pick that pear. (High to the right with left hand.)
Jump up stretch and pick that cherry.
Jump up and get that orange over there...
Cross Lateral Connections
Have children put their two fists together to make their “brain.” Explain that both sides of the brain have to work together. Draw an imaginary line down the middle of your body. That’s the midline. Crossing over that imaginary line builds bridges in their brain. Put a piece of masking tape or painter’s tape down their bodies so they can visually see how they cross the midline when they sing the song.
Brain Hug
Demonstrate how children can “hug their brain” and cross the midline.
1. Thumbs up – Extend arms and stick up thumbs in front of you.
2. Cross arms
3. Clasp fingers
4. Bring fists down and up to hug chest
You’re the Best
Here’s a simpler version of a brain hug just right for the younger students. Ask the students to repeat each line as you demonstrate.
1. Thumbs up.
2. Across the chest.
3. Pat on the back.
4. Cause you’re the BEST!
I Am Slowly Going Crazy
I Am Slowly Going Crazy
(Tune: "Reuben, Reuben, I’ve Been Thinking")
I am slowly going crazy, (Cross right ankle on left knee. Place right
elbow on right knee and place chin on palm.)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, switch. (Cross left ankle on right knee and place
chin on left palm.)
Crazy going slowly am I, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, switch.
Continue singing faster and faster.
*Brainstorm other things you can do when you feel like you’re going crazy!
*Make a class book of “Things That Drive Us Crazy!”
Demonstrate how children can “hug their brain” and cross the midline.
1. Thumbs up – Extend arms and stick up thumbs in front of you.
2. Cross arms
3. Clasp fingers
4. Bring fists down and up to hug chest
You’re the Best
Here’s a simpler version of a brain hug just right for the younger students. Ask the students to repeat each line as you demonstrate.
1. Thumbs up.
2. Across the chest.
3. Pat on the back.
4. Cause you’re the BEST!
I Am Slowly Going Crazy
When I would be about to explode, I would sit down in a chair and start singing this song. At first my class really thought I was going crazy, but eventually they saw the humor and we would all end up laughing. It became a great attention grabber and a fun way for all of us to relax and smile.
(Tune: "Reuben, Reuben, I’ve Been Thinking")
I am slowly going crazy, (Cross right ankle on left knee. Place right
elbow on right knee and place chin on palm.)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, switch. (Cross left ankle on right knee and place
chin on left palm.)
Crazy going slowly am I, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, switch.
Continue singing faster and faster.
*Brainstorm other things you can do when you feel like you’re going crazy!
*Make a class book of “Things That Drive Us Crazy!”