CDs include:

Surprise Kid

These songs will help parents connect and communicate with their young child in a meaningful way. By enjoying these tunes together, parents will be teaching essential skills for making friends, following directions, handling challenges, and succeeding in school. The music is presented in a variety of styles and arrangements that children and parents will enjoy.

Purchase:

If you would like to purchase a copy of this CD, select the "Add to Cart" button below. For a digital download of the music, it is available on CD Baby or iTunes.

Songs:

"Jump Forward" helps children master important motor skills as they follow the directions of the song. They will use their imagination by bouncing and throwing a pretend ball. You can also use beach or nerf balls to throw to one another as you sing this song.

"Birdie, Birdie" is a wonderful song for teaching little ones to imitate and use gesture to communicate. The repetition helps them master the sequence of the movements by "singing" with signed words. Open and close your thumbs and pointers for "birdie in my window" and sign MUSIC by sweeping your right hand back and forth over your other extended arm for "won't you sing a song for me?"

"I am Noisy" helps children experience loud and soft through movement and song. The structure of the song helps children who don't like loud sounds by teaching them to tolerate the noisy verse in anticipation of the quiet verse at the conclusion. This is a great way to prepare children for finding "just right" as they use their voices to play and work at school.

"Answer Yes or No" is a beautiful duet that includes Kansas City's own "Rockin' Rob" Mathieu. The lyrics guide children through a series of yes and no questions, beginning with those that have a definite answer ("Are fire engines purple?") and ending with questions about the personal preferences of your child ("Do you like playing bubbles?"). Your child can either sing the refrain "Answer yes or no," or sing you his or her yes and no answers.

"I Can Play the Drum" is a favorite of hundreds of young children we know. No drum is necessary. Head to the kitchen and find a plastic bowl or old pan, and show your child how to hold a wooden spoon or plastic spatula to "play the drum". The song's directions teach your child to play, stop and wait ‐ all pivotal skills for being successful in school. Playing and counting out loud is also included in this tune. The song will provide the repetition your child needs to master this impulse control and early math skills.

"I am Waiting" was composed to help children learn to delay their gratification. Waiting is a difficult skill to master, especially when children are singing and playing with others. "Waiting" simply looks like standing still with your hands by your side. This song also provides a sequence of motor actions for the children to recall, as each motion is repeated when a new motion is added. The "fancy pants dance" gives you a chance to show your child your fanciest dance moves. Take his or her hands at the end and dance as you look at each other, or pick your child up for a spin around your "dance floor"!

Little children often need to remember the rules for being a good friend or playmate. "Play with Me" is a great song for reminding young children what they need to know when they are playing with others. Play skills are essential for school success and positive social relationships with others. Learning how to initiate play with a friend, take turns, and join in the play of two or more other children are some of the skills that are shared through this rocking little song.

One of the most frightening aspects of going to preschool, Sunday School, dance class, or any environment where mom or dad are not present, is that your child must learn to deal with the unexpected without you for moral support. Perhaps there is a fire drill, hearing test, or a day when you must unavoidably be late to pick your child up from his or her activity. It is essential that children learn how to self-calm and have a personal plan for handling surprises. "Surprise Kid" is a super hero who knows just what to do in order to calm himself and calm the way he feels. Put on your bath towel cape and get ready to sing this song with your child!

"I'll Come Back" provides a gentle and loving way for parents to separate from their child. This song can become a part of your routine as your child learns to say goodbye to you for an hour or a day. Your child's voice can be heard at the conclusion of the song as mother and child sing in duet: "You'll come back...I'll come back!"