Location: indoor

Materials: a tin can, jar, or bucket, large popsicle sticks, permanent markers

Create some variety in how you choose songs to sing at circle by creating a Song Jar. Spend a little time writing the names of songs on popsicle sticks and then assemble the popsicle sticks in a container that you can keep near circle. Invite your children to take turns pulling a popsicle stick out of the jar to decide what song you will sing.

This is also a great way to make sure you don't forget about songs. You probably have a catalog of songs and finger plays in your head.

Possible Extensions:

• Add in songs you sing in other languages, too
• Make this part of your circle routine and every day let one child choose what song(s) you sing
• Include finger plays