See You Later

This song is actually pretty self-explanatory. What kid hasn't heard the expression, "See you later, alligator," and its response, "After while, crocodile"? Well, we've just taken that concept a wee bit further and embellished on it with additional rhyming silliness. (Mashed potater??) Indeed, since penning this tune together, John and Teresa can't help but quote the lyrics of the song every time they part company.

One of the nice things about the song is that it is very simple and easy to learn. Even your young ones should catch on quickly, especially if they listen to and sing along with the CD. You will note that we suggest that the song is sung in unison the first time through, then broken into two parts as a call and response on the repeat.

Let students add a bit of movement or action to emphasize the lyrics. For example, when saying the word "see" have student put their hands over their eyebrows as if they are looking into the distance. For "after while" have them point back over their shoulders with their thumbs, kind of like they're hitchhiking backwards. For the animals and other objects, have them invent poses or actions. "Mashed potater" could be demonstrated by pretending to mash with one fist against the other palm. "Kangaroo" could be a hopping action. You get the idea.

As always, we recommend the use of the recording. We feel it helps to get the most out of the music, and we have included some terrific tracks for you. But if you're feeling up to the task, you can certainly accompany this tune on piano as well. The part is pretty playable, even for us, um, pianistically-challenged types.