MOVING THE MORNING MEETING

There is a limit to the time that children can sit and pay attention, but this idea might help spark interest in your morning routine as you build skills. Think about having older children stand and walk around the room to face the flag, calendar, word wall, and classroom alphabet. As children stand and walk around the room you can engage them in some of the songs, movements, and interactive activities suggested.

My World
What? flag, US map, poster of handshakes, classroom rules

How? Sing a good morning song, say the pledge, do a handshake, review rules, etc.

Math/Science
What? calendar, weather chart, hundreds chart, daily schedule

How? Sing songs about the days of the week or the month, review your daily schedule. Sing the weather song and have a “meteorologist” report. Count, add boys and girls, think of equations that equal the date, etc.

Word Wall
What? word wall, flashlight, pointer, fly swatter

How? Sing, dance, clap, and cheer words. Make sentences with words, play games, spotlight words, spell words with sign language, etc.

Alphabet Wall
What? class alphabet, pointers

How? Sing alphabet songs and play letter recognition games. Clap on consonants and jump on vowels. Do Karate writing where children punch up high for tall letters, punch in front of them for middle letters, and give a little kick for letters with a tail.

Hint! Even if you don’t want to do all of the above activities, it’s important to get the children up and wake up their brains with a song or movement activity.

CALENDAR CHATS

Calendar chats can be a springboard for many math concepts, such as counting, addition, more, less, measurement, shapes, etc. Here are some ways to tie in math with your morning meeting.

*Hint!  Each month mark the calendar with days that have a special meaning for the children, such as birthdays, field trips, vacation days, etc. 

How Many?
Count how many boys. How many girls? How many altogether? Which is more? Which is less? How many ones and how many tens?

Operations
Think of equations that equal the date.

Vote
Vote on books, games, songs, and other favorites. Tally results and discuss more, less, and equal.

Before and After
How many days until the field trip?
What was yesterday? What is tomorrow?

Pattern
Make a pattern as you color in the days on the calendar.
Make patterns with the children by having them stand, sit, or do motions.
Clap hands and slap thighs in patterns for the children to extend.

Shapes
You will need a pointer for this activity. Insert different shapes in this song to the tune of “Do You Know the Muffin Man?”

Do you see a circle, circle, circle?
Do you see a circlesomewhere in the room?
Pass the pointer to a child who touches that shape and responds:
Yes, I spy a circle, circle, circle. Yes I spy a circlein the room.

*You can involve the whole group by letting them all get up and touch the shape mentioned in the song.

Comparing
Compare the number of children who were tie shoes and Velcro, who have pockets or no pockets, who walked to school or rode to school, etc.

Days of the Week (Tune: “The Addams Family” – Sing in sign language.)
Days of the week. Days of the week. (Snap fingers.)
Days of the week. Days of the week.
Days of the week.
There’s Sunday (Open palm and circle out.)
And there’s Monday, (Make an “m” and circle.)
There’s Tuesday (Make a “t” and circle.)
And there’s Wednesday, (Make a “w” and circle.)
There’s Thursday (Make an “h” and circle.)
And there’s Friday, (Make an “f” and circle.)
And then there’s Saturday. (Make an “s” and circle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JsfKTNAL50

*Point to the days on a calendar as you sing.

Macarena Months (Dance the Macarena as you sing.)
January, (Left arm out with palm down.)
February, (Right arm out with palm down.)
March, (Turn left palm up.)
April, (Turn right palm up.)
May, (Right hand on left shoulder.)
June, (Left hand on right shoulder.)
July, (Right hand on back of head.)
August, (Left hand on back of head.)
September, (Right hand on left front hip.)
October, (Left hand on right front hip.)
November, (Right hand on back right hip.)
December, (Left hand on back left hip.)
Then you turn around. (Turn around.)

http://bit.ly/drjeanMacarenaMonths

CIRCLE TIME CELEBRATIONS

Morning meeting (aka circle time) is a special time to celebrate little milestones in children's lives like losing a tooth or getting a new pair of shoes. Here are some songs that we always used to celebrate these events.

Happy Haircut (Tune: "Happy Birthday to You")
Only sing this song if the children like their haircut. We've all had haircuts where we wanted to hide in a sack!

Happy haircut to you.
Happy haircut to you.
You're sure lookin' good!
Happy haircut to you.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S3nmGbgmwXhGxLyYTAwaOrTApJZ2UiYW/view?usp=sharing

New Shoes (Tune: "This Old Man")
When children wear a new pair of shoes to school, let them stand in front
of the room and dance as you sing this song to them.

Here’s one foot. (Child sticks out one foot.)
Here are two. (Child sticks out other foot.)
Each is wearing a brand, new shoe,
So stand up, turn around, dance around the floor. (Child dances in a circle.)
That’s what these two feet are for. (Point to feet.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qNubNefefJcBVowp5p6wU-NdWexH1m0c/view?usp=sharing

Welcome Back (Tune: "The Bear Went over the Mountain")
If a child has been absent, insert their name in this song when they return to school
to let them know you missed them.

Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
We’re glad you’re here today.


Loose Tooth (Tune: "Turkey in the Straw")
Celebrate when a child loses a tooth by using their name I this tune.

Oh, look in child’s name mouth
And what do you see?
A great, big hole where a tooth used to be.
Well, they wiggled it and jiggled it until it wiggled free.
Now, there’s a window when they smile at me.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FJI_XKlxVUBHuE7g3VuEOy3mSFcFAMSC/view?usp=sharing

MORNING MEETING CELEBRATIONS

Morning meeting (aka circle time) is a special time to celebrate little milestones in children's lives like losing a tooth or getting a new pair of shoes. Here are some songs that we always used to celebrate these events.

Happy Haircut (Tune: "Happy Birthday to You")
Only sing this song if the children like their haircut. We've all had haircuts where we wanted to hide in a sack!

Happy haircut to you.
Happy haircut to you.
You're sure lookin' good!
Happy haircut to you.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S3nmGbgmwXhGxLyYTAwaOrTApJZ2UiYW/view?usp=sharing

New Shoes (Tune: "This Old Man")
When children wear a new pair of shoes to school, let them stand in front
of the room and dance as you sing this song to them. 

Here’s one foot. (Child sticks out one foot.)
Here are two. (Child sticks out other foot.)
Each is wearing a brand, new shoe,
So stand up, turn around, dance around the floor. (Child dances in a circle.)
That’s what these two feet are for. (Point to feet.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qNubNefefJcBVowp5p6wU-NdWexH1m0c/view?usp=sharing

Welcome Back (Tune: "The Bear Went over the Mountain")
If a child has been absent, insert their name in this song when they return to school
to let them know you missed them.

Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
We’re glad you’re here today.


Loose Tooth (Tune: "Turkey in the Straw")
Celebrate when a child loses a tooth by using their name I this tune.

Oh, look in child’s name mouth
And what do you see?
A great, big hole where a tooth used to be.
Well, they wiggled it and jiggled it until it wiggled free.
Now, there’s a window when they smile at me.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FJI_XKlxVUBHuE7g3VuEOy3mSFcFAMSC/view?usp=sharing

UNPLUGGED CIRCLE TIME (AKA MORNING MEETING)

Want to create a classroom community and nurture social emotional skills? Well, I've got a solution that's as old as the hills, but I guarantee you that it's just what is needed in our early childhood classrooms today. Call it circle time, morning meeting, or anything you want, but there's nothing like starting the day sitting on the floor in a circle.

What if someone says that circle time is a waste of time?

How would you respond? Do you really think it’s a waste of time? Most of us who have actually sat in a circle with our children to start the day realize it is MAGIC! It is the way to connect with your children, nurture your classroom family, develop social /emotional skills, and set the stage for the day. Since standards and skills are driving education, take a look at these skills that can be nurtured in a natural way at circle time.

Oral language– Children learn to feel comfortable talking in a group and expressing their thoughts and opinions. They also learn to listen to their classmates and respect their ideas.

Literacy skills– Alphabet songs, phonological awareness activities, choral reading, nursery rhymes, finger plays, daily message, and classroom print can be highlighted at circle time.

Math concepts– Talking about the calendar, counting the friends present, comparing sizes, or discussing shapes can be a meaningful part of circle time.

Executive function– As children learn to sit quietly and participate in a group they are developing self-regulation. There is also a beginning and an end to the routine.

Classroom management– This is a time when the teacher can reinforce simple skills, explain classroom activities, review the daily schedule, and model expectations.

Social skills– Learning to take turns and listen to classmates is expected in circle time. As children sing songs together or say rhymes or finger plays they can have fun with their friends. At this group time you can brainstorm classroom problems – tattling, hurting someone’s feelings, pushing in line, etc.

Emotional skills– In circle time all children can be accepted and valued for their individuality. Feelings that we are all different, but that’s O.K., are of primary focus.

Physical skills– Dances and movement songs release wiggles and oxygenate the brain. Cross-lateral activities activate the brain and get it ready to learn.

Science Social Studies– Talking about the weather, the leaves changing colors, the different ways families celebrate, classroom pets, and real events in the children’s world are meaningful topics at circle time. Specific themes and units of study can also be integrated into this large group time.

Fall in Love with Books- Circle time can be used for book walks, talks, themes, and bibliotherapy.




“OLD SCHOOL” CIRCLE TIME TIPS

Balance – Integrate activities where children sit and then let them stand and wiggle. Sometimes they need to be quiet and listen, and sometimes they can be encouraged to talk.

Hands-on– Try to provide multi-sensory experiences to activate different pathways to the brain. Finger plays, movement songs, handshakes, and real objects will engage children more than watching a video.

Vary the stimulus– Yes, you want to have a basic routine to give children security and help them feel comfortable, but you need a little spark each day to keep them focused and curious.

Model, Model, Model! Children learn more from your actions than your words. Model sitting quietly, listening attentively when a child is talking, being enthusiastic with your facial expressions, and making the motions for the songs and finger plays.

Quit while you are ahead! Don’t make circle time too long! Start with 10-15 minutes and then extend it as the year goes along. They will let you know by their body language when they’ve had enough!

Follow a basic routine.

Good Morning Song
Handshake
Morning Message/Review Schedule
Calendar and Weather
Pledge, Rules & Mantra
Active - Skill Songs
Concept Lesson – Theme

You might also want to highlight a different area of the curriculum each day of the week.

Marvelous Monday– Teach a new nursery rhyme or finger play. Practice it each day at circle time.

Terrific Tuesday– What’s in the news? Introduce social studies concepts of interest to the children. Discuss friendship and showing kindness. Brainstorm what to do about classroom behavior issues.

Wonderful Wednesday– Focus on oral language with show and tell, echo chants, and phonological awareness games.

Thrilling Thursday– There’s always something interesting outside your classroom door that your children will be interested in. Each season brings new experiences and objects to observe.

Fabulous Friday– Just for fun! Play a silly game, have a dress up day (silly socks, shirt of favorite sports team, etc.), be DJ and play favorite songs, etc.

WALK THE ROOM

WHY?

This is an alternative to the traditional circle time or morning meeting. You might not want to do it at the beginning of the school year, but as skills and content expand, it could be a way to increase children's attention span and interest.

HOW?

Think about using the four walls in your classroom with the visuals and the activities below. The children can stand and walk around the room to face the flag, calendar (math/science), word wall, and classroom alphabet. Integrate appropriate songs and movement activities to reinforce these skills.

Note! This strategy could easily be adapted for different age levels and concepts.

My World
What? flag, US map, poster of handshakes, classroom rules

How? Sing a good morning song, say the pledge, do a handshake, review rules, etc.

Calendar/Math/Science
What? calendar, weather chart, hundreds chart, daily schedule

How? Sing songs about the days of the week or the months, review your daily schedule. Sing the weather song and have a “meteorologist” report. Count, add boys and girls, think of equations that equal the date, etc.

       

Word Wall
What? word wall, flashlight, pointer, fly swatter

How? Sing, dance, clap, and cheer words. Make sentences with words, play games, spotlight words, spell words with sign language, etc.

Alphabet Wall
What? class alphabet, pointers

How? Sing alphabet songs and play letter recognition games. Clap on consonants and jump on vowels. Do Karate writing where children punch up high for tall letters, punch in front of them for middle letters, and give a little kick for letters with a tail.

BIRTHDAY SONG, NEW SHOES, AND LOOSE TOOTH

This song brings back lots of happy memories. Believe it or not, I still call adult friends and sing this to them.

Birthday Song
Today is the birthday of somebody who
Is happy and smiling and right in our room.
Now look all around you and tell me just who…
Is happy and smiling, my goodness, it’s you! (Point to the birthday child.)

Today is child’s name birthday.
Let’s make them a cake. (Pretend to hold a bowl
Stir and mix and mix and stir, and stir.)
Then into the oven to bake. (Put cake in the oven.)
Here’s our cake so nice and round. (Make a circle with arms.)
We’ll frost it with icing white. (Pretend to put on frosting.)
We’ll put _____ candles on it (Hold up age with fingers.)
To make their birthday bright!

*Here’s a video where I demonstrate the song and chant:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tgtt4lZsoI

Birthday Cake (Non-edible!)
How about a cake that is sugar free, gluten free, and lactose free? You can make a “human birthday cake” by having all the children in the room hold hands and make a circle. Let the birthday child get in the middle and choose friends (the number for how old they are) to be the candles on the cake. The candle/friends stand around the birthday child and put their arms over their heads like a flame. When the birthday child “blows” them out, they melt to the ground.

Birthday Book
Give each child a sheet of paper and ask them to draw a picture of a gift they’d like to give to the birthday friend. The birthday child gets a big sheet of construction paper to decorate like the cover of the book. Each classmate presents her picture to the birthday child as they say, “Happy birthday (child’s name). Here is (what they’ve drawn) just for you.” Staple their pictures in the construction paper to make a special book.


New Shoes
When children wear a new pair of shoes to school, let them stand in front of the room and dance as you sing this song to them.

Here’s one foot. (Child sticks out one foot.)
Here are two. (Child sticks out other foot.)
Each is wearing a brand, new shoe,
So stand up, turn around, dance around the floor. (Child dances in a circle.)
That’s what these two feet are for. (Point to feet.)


Loose Tooth
Celebrate when a child loses a tooth by using their name I this tune.

Oh, look in child’s name mouth
And what do you see?
A great, big hole where a tooth used to be.
Well, they wiggled it and jiggled it until it wiggled free.
Now, there’s a window when they smile at me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzx_A7eNhEI

Here's a link where you can download these posters:

    

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljTHRzQS1PV1pPeTg/view?usp=sharing

DAYS OF THE WEEK AND MACARENA MONTHS

Here are some great songs for your morning routine.

Days of the Week (Tune: “The Addams Family” – Sing in sign language.)
Days of the week. Days of the week. (Snap fingers.)
Days of the week. Days of the week.
Days of the week.
There’s Sunday (Open palm and circle out.)
And there’s Monday, (Make an “m” and circle.)
There’s Tuesday (Make a “t” and circle.)
And there’s Wednesday, (Make a “w” and circle.)
There’s Thursday (Make an “h” and circle.)
And there’s Friday, (Make an “f” and circle.)
And then there’s Saturday. (Make an “s” and circle.

                                     

 View Video

*Point to the days on a calendar as you sing.

Macarena Months (Dance the Macarena as you sing.)
January, (Left arm out with palm down.)
February, (Right arm out with palm down.)
March, (Turn left palm up.)
April, (Turn right palm up.)
May, (Right hand on left shoulder.)
June, (Left hand on right shoulder.)
July, (Right hand on back of head.)

August, (Left hand on back of head.)

September, (Right hand on left front hip.)
October, (Left hand on right front hip.)
November, (Right hand on back right hip.)
December, (Left hand on back left hip.)
Then you turn around. (Turn around.)

Watch Video

                                    


Here's another chant to help children learn the days of the week.

Days of the Week
(Stand up to begin this rhyme.)
Sunday, Sunday,
Clap, clap, clap. (Clap hands.)
Monday, Monday,
Tap, tap, tap. (Tap foot.)
Tuesday, Tuesday,
Hop, hop, hop. (Hop on one foot.)
Wednesday, Wednesday,
Stop, stop, stop. (Hold up hand.)
Thursday, Thursday,
Jump, jump, jump. (Jump on two feet.)
Friday, Friday,
Thump, thump, thump. (Pound fists together.)
Saturday, Saturday,
Turn around. (Turn around.)
Now smile quietly
Without a sound! (Sit down and smile.)

Roller Coaster Days
Start your hands low and move them up slowly as you say the days of the week. When you get to the current day raise your voice high and then lower your voice and hands as you say the final days in the week.

For example, Wednesday would go like this: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, WEDNESDAY, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

 

.

 

STARTING THE DAY IN A POSITIVE WAY

Have children start the day by repeating each line of this chant after you. 

Note!  Sometimes you just have to "fake it til' you feel it."  If you pretend you are happy then your feelings will follow and they will be contagious to your students!

You’re the Best!
Teacher says: Thumbs up. (Stick out thumbs.)
Children repeat: Thumbs up.
Teacher says: Across the chest. (Bring across to the opposite shoulder.)
Children Repeat: Across the chest.
Teacher says: Pat on the back. (Pat self on the back.)
Children repeat: Pat on the back.
Teacher says: Cause you’re the best! (Wrap arms around self and hug.)
Children repeat: Cause you're the best!

Hint! You can easily change the words to this chant to "I'm the best!" or "We are the best!"

I Am Statements
“I am” statements are another way to encourage positive behavior. (These can be based on your school’s goals or let the children suggest statements.) Write these on a language experience chart and then begin the day by sticking up your thumbs and repeating them.

I am respectful.m
I am trustworthy.
I am responsible.
I am fair.
I am caring.
I use good manners.
I use kind words.
I can do it!
     

Morning Mantra
Teacher says: Boys and girls, what is my job today?
Children respond: Your job is to teach us and to love us.
Teacher says: Boys and girls, what is your job today?
Children respond: Our job is to learn and to love each other.

        

What Are You?
(Adapted from “The Help.”)
Teacher asks: What are you?
Children respond: I am kind. (Touch the heart.)
I am smart. (Touch the head.)
I am important. (Give self a hug.)

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

HELLO! Meet my guest blogger Michelle Lewis. You're going to be inspired by her story and daily affirmations.

Hi, my name is Michelle Lewis and I teach 4K (four year old kindergarten) at Rexford-Longfellow Elementary in Clintonville, WI.I have been teaching with Clintonville Public Schools for 6 years and am truly “living my childhood dream” teaching kindergarten. I simply do not think there is much greater in life than looking into the eyes of a child and watching them grow, discover and learn about the world around them. My students teach me way more about "life" than I could ever teach them :)

Due to Covid 19, we started the school year in a hybrid model as a way to have less kids in the classroom at one time and help with social distancing. The 4K program at my school is a four days a week program and there are two sessions, morning and afternoon.  The morning and afternoon students are each divided into two cohorts, A and B. Students in cohort A learn in the classroom Mondays and Tuesdays and at home Thursdays and Fridays and Cohort B does the opposite. Wednesdays are a planning and deep cleaning day at our school. We also have students and families who have chosen to do 100% virtual learning.

As a way to wrap my mind around all of this and help actively engage ALL of my young students in their learning both in the classroom and at home, I created this google slide show to use to help “walk” us through our day!  Little did I know when I first created the slide show how useful it would be and how well it would work. Before I made this slide show, I wasn’t even sure how to add hyperlinks and by the time I finished making it, I learned a lot. ;)  I am humbled and yet AMAZED at how far my slide show traveled when I shared the file. I went to school one morning and my email was filled with hundreds of requests for me to share the file. I have had requests to share it from over 40 different states and 30 countries! WOW! I still cannot believe it!  My slideshow being shared around the world is awesome but what I think is even more awesome is that the positive affirmations I recite with my kids each and every day might now be said by teachers and children all around the world. Kids need to hear positive messages about themselves and truly believe those positive affirmations. Kids need to know they are loved and that their lives matter and that they can make a difference in this world.  I felt compelled to share my google slide show for FREE because I personally know how hard teachers are working right now to best meet the needs of their students. If my slide show can help teachers and students, why not share??  In sharing my slides, all I asked was that if a teacher used my slide show that they would reach out and help another teacher or do a random act of kindness to help make another person smile! That’s all I wanted :)  We as teachers need to stick together and help one another. Collaboration is the key for surviving this time as we walk through uncharted territory.

The slideshow I made titled: A Walk through Our Day in 4K basically takes the kids through the entire day via slides. On these slides I have songs to begin our day, the Pledge of Allegiance, our classroom mission statement, the positive affirmations we say each day, our entire calendar time, our entire literacy time and a wealth of different activities and songs as well as math and literacy tools that are all hyperlinked. I also have some dance party songs linked because thanks to Greg Smedley Warren’s idea, from Kindergarten Smorgasboard, we end our day with a VIRTUAL dance party!

Due to the high numbers of Covid 19 in Wisconsin, we are now doing 100% virtual learning. Using Google Meet, I share my screen and my 4K kiddos can see exactly what we are doing. I would love for them to be in my classroom where we could learn and grow together but on the computer, although it looks different, learning is still happening, the classroom community is still being built, friendships still formed and the love I have for my kids and teaching still shines bright even in the midst of a global pandemic!! My heart is full when I look at their smiling faces on my computer screen! We are still singing, dancing and learning and growing together as a school family! We will get through this and we will be stronger because of it!

For more information you can contact Michelle: mlewis@clintonville.k12.wi.us

WE CAN MAKE A CIRCLE

We Can Make a Circle
This is a precious song to gather the children and make a circle. It goes to the tune of “Lassie and Laddie.” Take the hands of several children and slowly walk in a circle as you sing.
     We can make a circle, a circle, a circle.
     We can make a circle and hold hands right now.
     Hold hands with a friend, a circle never ends.
     We can make a circle and hold hands right now.

Hint! Continue singing the song until all the children have joined hands to make a circle. Sit down and you’re ready to begin.

Hand Hug
After making your circle, the teacher squeezes the hand of the child on her right. That first child squeezes the hand of the second friend on her right and takes a seat. The second child squeezes the hand of the third friend on her right and takes a seat. Continue passing the “hand hug” around the circle until everyone is seated.

                                     

Sitter Spot
If your children have a difficult time settling down a sitter spot may help. Cut 8” circles from fun foam or felt and write the children’s names on them. (You could use photos for younger children or let older children decorate their own sitter spot.) Arrange for circle time to give children a special place to sit. 

Note! Arranging spots can enable you to disperse problems and encourage social interactions.
                                                       
*Children can also use these for their “special spot” for doing quiet activities like independent reading.

Everybody Have a Seat (Tune: “Shortnin’ Bread”)
Use this catchy tune when it’s time for the children to sit down.
     Everybody have a seat, have a seat, have a seat.
     Everybody have a seat on the floor.
     Not on the ceiling,
     Not on the door.
     Everybody have a seat on the floor.

Here's the link to the FB Live video I did a few days ago on CIRCLE TIME MAGIC!

http://bit.ly/drjean-circle

GETTING READY FOR CIRCLE TIME

GETTING READY

Piddle Time
One of my first supervisors suggested we start each morning with “piddle time.” What is “piddle time”? It’s five or ten minutes at the beginning of the day as children arrive and straggle in. In most schools, they don’t all march in at the same time. I always had quiet activities on the rug to engage my children and give them time to talk, settle in, etc. Some days I’d put out a tub of books or magazines, sometimes puzzles, games, blank books and crayons, etc. Other teachers have told me that they have children write in their journals or do another paper activity to help them settle down.

Ticket to Circle Time
Run off paper tickets and pass one out to each child. Explain that it’s their special ticket for circle time. 

Hint! Cut a slit in the plastic lid of a food container for children to insert their tickets as they join the group.

Five Minute Warning
Several minutes before circle time I would ring a bell, sing a song, or do something else to let the children know we’d begin the day soon. This gave them time to bring closure to what they were doing. 



*I actually had a job called the “The Five Minute Person.” When there were five minutes before circle time, five minutes left in center time, five minutes left on the playground, etc. I’d tell that specific helper to give their friends the warning. They’d walk around holding up five fingers as they said, “Five more minutes! Five more minutes!” Talk about feeling important! Oh, and it really didn’t matter if it was five minutes or two minutes!

Announcing Circle Time
Capture children’s attention by saying:

     Give a drum roll….(pat knees and make a sound).
     Give a Beethoven…(pretend to hold a violin and hum the first few notes
     of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony).
     Give me a toot a roo…(pretend to hold a horn and toot).
    Let’s get ready for CIRCLE TIME!!!

*Make a "toot a roo" (aka trumpet) by decorating a paper towel roll.