Submitted by Susan Redvanly, Hillsdale, New Jersey

Idea posted August 26, 2003

Here's a fun activity for the first day of music class (perfect for Kindergarten and 1st grade). The little song "Welcome, welcome come right in and stay awhile..." can be personalized so that the whole class sings a classmate's first name in place of the second and fourth welcome in the song. We go around in a circle singing to welcome each child personally, and this also helps me to learn all those names! Wait until you see the smiles and sometimes embarrassed looks on those faces. Remember to use this technique if a new student comes along later in the year.

This is also a great song to begin to teach children to recognize melodic direction. Welcome, welcome - up and don't forget your smile - descending by step.