Shake Shake Shake

I'll admit that I am a BIG fan of using props in story times.  One of my favorites to use are shakers.  For those that haven't used shakers before, here is some reasoning why and how to do it.

Why Use Shakers

• Singing is a big component to early literacy.  Shakers are good for reinforcing the beat, which slows down music for kids to hear the parts of words.  This reinforces language development. 
• They are FUN!  Fun reinforces learning.  After all, do you remember boring programs or fun programs more? 

Which Shakers?
We use LP RhythMix Plastic Animal Shakers from Little Hands Music.  While they look expensive, we have used them multiple times a week for the past 5 years.  These shakers have been chewed, thrown, stepped on, etc., and they still look like they are new.  They are indestructible.  Because they are plastic, it is easy for me to wash them in the sink with a bleach solution to sanitize and they require little drying time.  Plus, they are just plain fun.

Egg shakers are also good.  Personally, I would purchase them if you have the means.  While I have made my own in the past and they are inexpensive, they are not sturdy.  You have to plug the holes and it is a lot of work to make an entire story time set.  Plus, plastic eggs are seasonal.  I do still like to pull them out sometimes so parents can see how to make them.

As you can see above, I had to plug the holes with hot glue before I added rice.  Then I added another ring of hot glue around the seam to fasten the egg together.

How to Use Shakers
Shakers have a wide variety of uses in story times.  You can use them as you tell the story.  Shakers make good rain noises, help keep the beat (think of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom), or can make rattlesnake noises.  For a good idea of possibilities, check out the book The Sound of Storytime by Tiara Dixon and Paula Blough.  They run through a variety of instruments and how they can fit with children's books.

Do you dance in story time?  We have fun dancing to get our wiggles and sillies out.  Here are some songs that may work for you:

•  Alabama, Mississippi by Jim Gill on Jim Gill Sings the Sneezing Song and Other Contagious Tunes
• I Can Shake My Shaker Egg by Mr. Eric & Mr. Michael on Rockin' Red
• Shake It by Jodi Koplin on Jumpin' Bean
• Shake It Up by Milkshake on Great Day
• Shake With You by Mr. Eric & Mr. Michael on Bouncy Blue
• Shake Your Shakers Slowly by Kathy Reid-Naiman on I Love to Hear the Sounds
• Shake Your Sillies Out by The Wiggles on Yummy Yummy
• Shake, Rattle & Rock by Greg & Steve on Shake, Rattle & Rock
• The Shaker Hop by Carole Peterson on Dancing Feet
• The Shaker Song by Rocknocerous on Dark Side of the Moon Bounce
• Shaky Shaky by The Wiggles on Yummy Yummy

One of my favorite rhymes to use with the kids is:

One, two, shake it on your shoe.

Three, four, shake it on the floor.

Five, six, stir and mix.

Seven, eight, stand up straight.

Nine, ten, wave to all your friends. 

For those who like to sing without background music, here are some other fun songs that I have used.

Title-Going to Kentucky

I was going to Kentucky, going to the fair,

To see the senorita with the flowers in her hair.

Oh, shake it, shake it, shake it,

Shake it if you can,

Shake it like a milkshake,

And do the best you can.

Oh, wobble to the bottom,

Wobble to the top,

And turn around and turn around until you make a stop!

___________________

 Title-Shake Your Shaker (to the tune of London Bridge)

Shake your shaker in the air,

Shake it here, shake it there.

Shake your shaker in the air,

Shake your shaker.

Shake it high and shake it low,

Shake it yes, shake it no.

Shake it high and shake it low,

Shake your shaker.

Shake it up and shake it down,

Rub your shaker on the ground.

Shake it up and shake it down,

Shake your shaker.

Shake it near and shake it far,

Drive your shaker like a car.

Shake it near and shake it far,

Shake your shaker.

Shake it fast and shake it slow,

Shake it stop, shake it go.

Shake it fast and shake it slow,

Shake your shaker.

 ____________________ 

Title-If You're Happy and You Know It 

If you're happy and you know it give a shake.

If you're happy and you know it give a shake.

If you're happy and you know it and you really want to show it.
If you're happy and you know it give a shake.

If you're happy and you know it give a clap.

(Clap shaker against palm.)

If you're happy and you know it give a tap.

(Tap shaker on the floor.)

If you're happy and you know it do all three.

(Shake, shake, clap, clap, tap, tap) 

_____________________

Title-Shake It to the East

Shake it to the east, shake it to the west.

Shake it all around and then you take a rest.

Shake your shakers up, shake your shakers down.

Shake it, shake it, shake it and then you settle down.

________________________

Title-Shake Your Shaker

Shake your shaker in the air, in the air,

Shake it here and everywhere.

Shake it up,

And shake it down.

Shake it, shake it all around the town.

Shake your shaker in the air, in the air.

__________________________

Title-We Shake Our Shakers Together 

(To the tune of For He's a Jolly Good Fellow)

We shake our shakers together.

We shake our shakers together

We shake our shakers together

Because it's fun to do!

________________________

Title-Shake Your Shaker

(To the tune of Are You Sleeping?)

 Shake your rattles, shake your rattles,

Like the leaves.

That are growing, that are growing,

On the trees.

Shake them high, and

Shake them low.

Round about

And to and fro.

Shake your rattles, shake your rattles,

Love the leaves.

_____________________________

Title-Shaking Your Shaker

Shaking your shaker.

Shaking it up high.

Shaking it down low.

Shake it side to side.

Tap it on your foot.

Tap it on your knee.

Shaking your shaker

Very quietly // Very loudly.

 

If you haven't used them before, shakers are definitely worth adding to your story time repertoire.  I am a big fan of using props with my story times and as I have free time, I will add more posts like this one.