Table of Contents List of Exercises

Goodbye Song

About:

Mr Rogers began and ended each episode of his show with simple predictable rituals: putting on and taking off his sweater, changing his shoes.

Purpose of this lesson:

The 'Hello Song' is a clear predictable ritual that informs that we have now officially end our class or group.

Teaching the song is a way to not only teach the song, but to begin to set the norms and expectations of the culture of the group. These values include: respect, centeredness, participation, connection and responcibity.

Use every oppportunity to engage the 'ventral vagal' system. Through through eye contact, rhythm, movement and resonant vocal tone.

Directions:

This Goodby Song.

Best to have everyone present so that each person can see each other persons face.

[dragon puppet to demonstrate what is not acceptible.]

(Sung to the tune of 'London Bridge is Falling Down') "After I say my line, you say 'Hello', and wave your hand". Model the hand wave. Alternate hands after each 'Hello'.

Words		Movement
Goodbye		wave right arm
Farewell		wave left arm
To you		point around the circle
my friends		cross index fingers
So long		wave right arm
For now		wave left arm
until we meet again		bring both arms into the heart
Drum ming		Clap

Notice to the quality of the contact, and silence at the end of the song. Acknowledge and celebrate this contact and silence. This is also an opportunity to Celebrate the Rules Not Broken

Glitches:

• Student is not singing or moving
1. Give energy and recognition to those who are moving and participating.
2. Take over the problem. Emphasis - "What do you think about dragon not doing what he has been asked to do?"
   "When its time for dragon to get some privilege do you think he has earned it?"


• Student is yelling
1. Take Over the Problem. Have Cow puppet sing his part. Dragon puppet comes in too loud and raucous. Ask, "What do you think of Dragon's singing?" "Can you show dragon how too singing in a musical voice?"


• Student is singing but with a mocking attitude
1. Take over the problem, have Dragon puppet mock Cow puppet. Emphasis -"How do you think Cow puppet feels?


• Student is singing but can't match a pitch
1. Do Finding Your 'Do'.

Needs Met:

Safety- its predictable. We do it every time.
Connection- singing together is sharing a vital energy. It sets up or reinforces a group rhythm.

Neuroscience and Psycho-physiology Basis:

Singing usually involves ventral vagal regulation. There is prosody in the voice, more animated facial expression, extended out breath and rhythm. PolyVagal Theory.

Metaphor to Explore:

How do you say hello or greet people in other places?

Extensions:

Particular students or other teachers can lead the Hello Song.

Write a new 'Hello Song'.