Nancy Stewart

This very simple traditional song is magical in its ability to connect with children. Because of that, I have developed additional versions for use with infants through elementary-aged children. I believe the reason this song 'works,' is its melody. The melody centers around the minor third (name for the distance between the two notes of 'Blue-bird'). This interval is the first combination of notes children sing. This is cross-cultural, so no matter where you go, you will hear children singing these notes. Some familiar examples are : This Old Man, 'Na, na, na, na na na (children's teasing chant) ', Dreydle, Dreydle, Dreydle. Any song that uses this minor third will be easily sung by both you and the children, as it comes naturally. So look through the variations below, and have fun with this song for all ages. It's sure to become a favorite! You will find both versions (long and short) recorded and available for you to download. There is also a pattern for the felt birds. Window Bluebird, window window window window window window Children hold hands in a circle, arms up. One child is chosen to be a bird who flies in and out of the 'windows' created by raised arms. On last line, children drop arms, and a new child is chosen to be the bird. If you have a large group, you can have several birds at a time. Each one will choose a colors. Place felt board in the middle of the circle. Sing the song once through for each color. As you sing each color, the children with that color bird stand and fly around the felt board until the last line, when they place their birds on the felt board and fly back to their seats. Repeat with other colors. NOTE: circle games. Because the felt board is in the middle of the circle, and the majority of the children remain sitting, the 'birds' may only fly exactly where you want them to. You won't be dealing with the usual frustrations of children cutting across the circle because they don't yet have the skills to play circle games. fly each bird up to the flannel board as you sing. This is great for (fly bird up to flannel board) (rest head on hands and say 'Night, night) Variation 3 for Infants: scarf or ribbon across babies body, toes, hands, or face, then 'fly' it slowly around, up and down, so baby can follow with his eyes. Babies love the feeling of the cloth brushing across their skin, as well as the

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