Go and get the cows.

A couple of days ago I blogged about inhibitory control – the ability to stop yourself in the middle of an activity and wait. Miss Nancy, who uses her Master’s to teach during the week, and Kindermusik during the weekends, gave us this great activity to practice inhibitory control.

Here’s a little background:

Jean Ritchie, the noted Appalachian singer, storyteller and folklorist, created this singing game.  Her tune is adapted from the melodies of two Danish singing games:  “Down in the Meadow” and “Seven Jumps”.   – from Down in the Valley – More Great Singing Games for Children, 2000 New England Dancing Masters Productions.

Listen to the music here and learn the song. It’s easy to pick up.

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Wake up you sleepyhead and go and get the cattle,
Wake up you sleepyhead and go and get the cows.
All jump up and down, singing, and acting like an impatient parent nagging a child.

The cows are lost, the sun is warm.
All pretend to be the child looking for the cows, shading eyes with one hand, while sleepily getting down on one knee on the word lost.  Go down on the second knee while pointing to the hot sun on the word warm.

I think I’ll rest, ’til they come home.
Go down on one elbow on rest, then two elbows on home, and pretend to go to sleep.

The leader waits for a few seconds, then slaps the floor and starts the first part of the song again. Everyone jumps up and joins in. Repeat ad infinitum.

-posted by Miss Analiisa, who thanks to Miss Nancy is going to hear this song at her house ad nauseum!