Nancy Stewart

Use this song as a daily arrival ritual. Children listen quietly and then share one thing they're looking forward to today — a great way to ease into the morning.

Children slither across the floor like snakes. Follow up with an art project: paint or draw snakes and create a "snake" bulletin board display by linking drawings end to end.

Discuss what it means to "put on your thinking cap." Children make actual thinking cap hats from paper and decorate them. Then pose a simple problem and let children think through solutions while wearing them.

Use props and imagery to explore Pacific Northwest tide pool life. Show pictures of starfish, sea anemones, hermit crabs, and sea urchins. If possible, use a sensory bin filled with water, shells, and plastic sea creatures.

Younger children (2–3): simple stomping and arm movements. Older children (4–6): more complex choreography with partner moves. Children love inventing their own "monster" moves.

Make kazoos from household items: hum through a comb covered with wax paper, or through a tube with a piece of wax paper rubber-banded over one end. Have a "kazoo zoo parade."

Fingerplay version: five fingers, each a bird that flies away one at a time. Dramatic play: children take turns being birdies. Flannel board version: place felt birds on a branch and remove them as you sing.

For educators: this song addresses the "wild child" in every classroom with gentle humor. Use it to open a discussion about feelings and self-regulation — or simply let children enjoy the energy of the song as a movement break.