I Had a lot of fun today song

modifying this technique

  • When introducing this song, consider how your energy will impact the group. If you have students with sensory sensitivities, a high energy song could be over-stimulating. Feel free to sing this song with a slower and more gentle energy. When watching these videos, remember that you don’t have to facilitate with the same energy as the CAT team. Do what feels comfortable for you and right for your class.

lyrics

We’ve had a lot of fun today.
The time did surely fly.
But just before we go away,
We gotta say goodbye.
Goodbye! Goodbye! (wave)
Adios! Adios! (wave)
Ciao! Ciao! (wave)
Etc.
 

Spanish version:
Gosamos mucho hoy
Que rápido pasó la hora
Pero antes de irnos
Queremos decir adiós.
¡Adiós! ¡Adiós! (ola)
Au revoir! Au revoir! (ola)
Ciao! Ciao! (ola)

skill breakdown

LET’S ALL SAY THAT
Courtney casually peppers her facilitation with “let’s all say that.”

  • Why? This keeps students engaged even during long instructions.

REPEAT AFTER ME SCAFFOLDING
Repeat after me songs are opportunities for students to learn as they go. This is an activity that actually benefits from less scaffolding than more.

  • Notice: Courtney only has two steps: keeping rhythm and singing the song.
  • Why? Repeat after me songs are fast to teach, and they can establish a focused environment when you don't have time to patiently scaffold.

HAVE FUN
Courtney is clearly enjoying this song. This is important.

  • Why? She’s modeling that learning new things can be fun. She’s making it clear that it’s okay to be enthusiastic, and there is no need to “play it cool.” She’s also really engaging. Her facilitation is so dynamic because she is completely focused on the song.

MAKE IT STUDENT CENTERED
When Courtney asks for suggestions, she is making a teacher-directed activity a little more student-centered. She doesn’t say no to any suggestion.

  • Why? This validates students’ creativity and thoughtfulness.
  • Tip: What would you do if a student volunteered a word that does NOT mean goodbye? You could quickly validate it by saying "That is a great word, and even though it doesn’t mean goodbye, we should say it anyway!"

FULL SENTENCES
This song is grammatically correct.

  • Why? A great way to encourage early learners to speak in full sentences is to teach them songs that are written in full sentences.