I Can Do That!

Younger kids like to move and explore actions they can do, like standing on their tiptoes or lifting up their knees. The song "I Can Do That!" is a musical format in which they can express their enjoyment while practicing and reinforcing their newfound abilities. We chose simple movements that can be done in a classroom setting for the verses of the song, while the bridge allows acting out the actions they sang about. You could also let them do the actions at the time they sing them, if you wish, and even afterwards. Odds are, they will be tempted to do this anyway! So go ahead and let them stand on tiptoes, lift their knees, and clap up in the air as they are inspired, even if it doesn't quite go with the song perfectly. (Who are we to stifle creative movement?)

The instrumentation on the recording is simple but effective, and includes a synthesizer, beat box sounds, bass, and finger snaps (which keep the groove). Kids don't have to snap along unless you want them to; the snaps are still there on the instrumental track version. The infectious rhythm guarantees whole class participation and some fun (and probably silly!) actions from your kids.

If you opt to use this tune in performance, consider changing the verses to actions for the upper body only. You could keep the movements for "clap my hands high," and switch out the other two with something of your choosing. Alternate verses to consider might be, "lift my shoulders," "twist my head 'round," "nodding, up, down," "spread my fingers," "pull my earlobes," "shake my elbows," etc. Whatever you decide, it's all about building confidence in your students, because they really can do that when they try!