Submitted by Denise Gagne, Alberta, Canada

Idea posted June 5, 2002

I tried a new trick in the warm-up today that really helped them to focus. When I turned my hand with the palm toward them they were to sing. When I turned the palm toward me, they were to mouth the words. It really got them watching!

New Trick #2: I got a new crocodile puppet - he was custom made for me, so you'd have to special order if you want one. He's got a huge mouth - shaped much like a "v" from the side so we named him "Crescendo" the Crocodile.

When Crescendo talks to the choir with a closed mouth, not much sound comes out. But when he talks with his mouth open, it's amazing how well you hear him. All I have to do when the kids mouths are closing, is make a crocodile shape with one hand and they open right up!