So obviously a part of being a preschool teacher is singing songs....a lot of songs. And while I can boast that I have many songs in my repertoire....I will admit that sometimes it gets a little boring (they always want to sing the same songs over and over and over). So today I thought I would introduce a song we hadn't sung in preschool yet. A classic from my own childhood, many of you will recognize it. The classic "If You Chance To Meet A Frown." I type the lyrics for you below because it turns out that they are important to this post and perhaps some of you will not be familiar with them or will have forgotten them.
If You Chance To Meet A Frown:
If you chance to meet a frown,
Do not let it stay.
Quickly turn it upside down,
And smile that frown away.
No one likes a frowny face.
Change it for a smile.
Make the world a better place,
By smiling all the while!
So as I sat in my chair watching 10 adorable little faces look up to mine as I sang the words I started thinking two different things:
1. I began to wonder what messages a 4 year old might take from this song. I would hate to think they would feel like they couldn't feel and express their feelings!!! I want them to know that it is okay to feel sad, and mad, and hurt, and scared, and frustrated in addition to the always popular: happy. I want them to know that everyone feels these things and that they are loved no matter what!
2. I was also thinking about how much influence my attitude can have on everyone around me and how this song could really help me remember to smile instead of frown...(even if someone was dumping their water into their yogurt cup and back again making a disgusting mess. Because is it really the end of the world?) The power of a smile is truly great and I have always appreciated those people in my life who are quick to smile. It is a trait I have always envied...with a frown I might add.
So, you the reader might ask, what has been gained from this moment of reflection? Well, dear reader, I will tell you. I have decided that I will most likely be removing this particular song from my preschool song list. And on the other hand I will also be trying to find ways to remind myself of the positive benefits of smiling more. :)
P.S. In case you were wondering I actually do have very insightful thoughts during the most random moments of preschool...singing, reading, painting, cleaning up yogurt-water, etc.
(This post is dedicated to Tera since I am using her laptop while she sleeps on the other couch!)
13 Years ago today....
2 months ago
4 comments:
We had a preschooler back when I was first teaching at KS, and he was always throwing a fit, so I started singing this song every time he was upset. It used to really make him mad. Is it bad that sometimes I took at teensy bit of joy from that?
Boo. This song should not be removed. What other song can you sing while forced frowning?
Your posts are so deep and well written. My posts are usually so shallow and to the point. Thanks for helping my brain to do some deeper thinking! I am going to email you I just have been busy doing grades. Report cards go out next week. YUCK!
Thanks for the post. I am prone to frown while prospect5ive homework looms in the distance or a professor whom I am not particularly fond ofwants to see me. I will start to try to think of the good things and smile.
P,S, Don't take it off the list
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