To the tune of “It’s a hard day’s night” by the Beatles –
It’s been a hard happy year, for the Ohana family I’d like to welcome you all here, to celebrate and party It’s been a whole lot of fun, you’ll see the work that we’ve done So join us clap and give good cheer, as we say goodbye to this year.
From the very onset of becoming an early childhood educator, music and songwriting were integral to who I was—and would continue to be. In fact, on many occasions, while spending weekends away with friends and their children water skiing, the kids would always say, “Shelley makes a song out of anything we say.” And I did. And I still do.
I started teaching when I was just 20 years old, and now, 50 years later, you can imagine my repertoire. I tend to use existing songs whose music is catchy and repetitive, and adapt my own words to each one. The Beatles and ABBA have been some of my favourites over the years, along with music from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s—decades I believe produced some of the best music across many genres.
Music touches us deeply. It helps us through our pain, and it helps us experience lightness and joy. Music is the perfect tool to make us feel our emotions so powerfully. It soothes us, brings back memories of days gone by, and helps us relive many wonderful moments from those times. What would we do without music? I don’t have the answer, but I do remember certain music and the profound impact it had—and still has—on me: for example, Ennio Morricone and his score for the film The Mission.
Whenever there’s an event, even special days like Earth Day, they get their own original songs—including my personal favourite about “no more plastic” that we used in one of our parent end of year parties.
I’m also a great believer in the power of songs and music when it comes to giving children instructions. My niece is the best example of this: she remembered all the words to songs she listened to, even while finding school quite challenging and quite boring. It made me reflect on teaching practices, and I asked myself, “Why isn’t the curriculum taught through music and song?” Children would remember what they’ve learned so much more easily.
Sing your way through your day, and make up songs along the way.
Make each day filled with fun, in rain, snow, hail, or sun.
Dance like no one is watching Love like you have never been hurt
Sing like no one is listening.
