When I was a kid, I LOVED back to school time.

I loved shopping for new school supplies (Lisa Frank notebooks and Bic pens were my thing!) and was always so excited for the first day of school. I try to bring some of that same excitement into my music therapy sessions on the first day of school. Children’s Resources Educational Center (where I provide weekly group sessions) has their first day of school next week.

Although there is a lot of excitement around this time, for some children there may also be some nerves. Many have moved into a new classroom and some are brand new to the school.

So, one of the first things I plan to do in my music therapy sessions next week is help the students learn everyone’s name (including teachers and therapists). My hope is that this will calm their nerves and help ease the transition into their new classroom.

Here is the song I wrote while working at UCP’s Early Beginnings Academy to help students learn the names of everyone in their class:

Lyrics:
It’s the first day of school now here we go.
It’s the first day of school and I want to know
What’s your name? What’s your name?
“My name is Amy. My name is Amy.”

Simple and to the point, but it’s a great way to work on expressive language (a goal area that many of my students are working on)!

What are YOUR favorite ways to help children learn the names of others in their class?

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net