When?
Sing this tune to the children when it's time to clean up.
Why?
Children respond more readily to a pleasant song than to
demanding statements.
What?
No materials are needed.
How?
While putting away toys, begin singing this song to the tune of "Jingle Bells."
Tidy-Up Song
Tidy-up, tidy-up, put the toys away.
Tidy-up, tidy-up, we're finished for today.
Oh, tidy-up, tidy-up, put the toys away.
For we'll get them out again
The next time that we play.
Adaptations
- Let one child be the "singer" and skip around the room as he sings the clean-up song and reminds his friends what to do.
- Here are other helper songs to sing.
A Helper I Will Be
(Tune: "Farmer in the Dell")
A helper I will be.
A helper I will be.
There's work to do,
There's work to do,
A helper I will be.
Jolly Good Helper
(Tune: "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow")
(Insert the names of children who are helping.)
(Child's name) is a jolly good helper).
(Child's name) is a jolly good helper).
(Child's name) is a jolly good helper).
And (another child's name) is a helper, too.
About Dr. Jean Feldman:
Dr. Jean is beloved by teachers, parents, and children alike for her creative activities that make learning fun! She has been actively involved in education for over 30 years as a classroom teacher, instructor of adults, author, and consultant. Dr. Feldman has a B.A. from the University of Georgia, a D.A.S.T. from Emory University, and a M.A. and Ph.D. from Georgia State University. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Kindergarten Alliance. Dr. Feldman presents to professional groups across the country and serves on the advisory boards of several organization. To have Dr. Jean conduct a professional workshop at your school, please visit Dr. Jean's Website..
