Most people know the classic Do, Re, Me for singing the scales, and there’s also an alternate version that can go both up and down the scales to further the tonal distinctions. Learning the scales is important for musical ability and cognitive development, but also for experimenting with more nuanced social cues. When talking to other people, different tones can indicate different meanings. A lower tone of voice can indicate seriousness, a higher tone might be more playful. When understood in conjunction to other social cues, such as a smile or gesture, a toddler can understand when another kiddo is asking to play even if they speak different languages by the tone of voice being used. Just like they can understand a stern voice might mean stop, or a soothing voice tone is all about comfort.
Do Re Mi
Doe A Deer, A Female Deer (touch all fingers to thumb to create a deer face)
Ray A Drop Of Golden Sun (spread fingers wide to indicate the sun)
Me, A Name I Call Myself (point to self)
Fa, A Long Long Way To Run (have two fingers run along opposite palm)
Sew, A Needle Pulling Thread (pretend to pull a threaded needle)
La, A Note To Follow So (“roll” hand away from mouth)
Tea, A Drink With Jam and Bread (pretend to drink a cup of tea)
And That Brings Us Back To Doe, Doe, Doe, Doe (make deer face again)
This alternate version goes both up and down the scales, and you can point to each body part mentioned:
On My Toe
Is A Flea
Now He’s Climbing
On My Knee
Past My Tummy
Past My Nose
On My Head
Where My Hair Grows…
On My Head (now scales will go back down)
There Is A Flea
Now He’s Climbing
Down Over Me
Past My Tummy
Past My Knee
On My Toe
Goodbye Flea
Both of these are fun little finger plays and easy songs to sing at any moment in any day!
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