Engaging young learners can be a delightful challenge, especially when introducing them to the somewhat structured environment of a library. For first graders just beginning their library adventures, making learning fun and interactive is key. One incredibly effective and joyful method to teach essential library skills is through music, specifically, a familiar tune with a library twist: the Hokey Pokey Song. This isn’t just any song; it’s the “Shelf Marker Hokey Pokey,” a creative way to introduce the concept and use of shelf markers, ensuring books stay organized and accessible for everyone.
Making Library Skills Memorable with a Song
Imagine a group of first graders, initially perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the towering shelves and the sheer volume of books. Introducing shelf markers can seem like just another rule, but transform it into a song and suddenly, it becomes an exciting game. The Shelf Marker Hokey Pokey takes the familiar actions of the Hokey Pokey dance and applies them directly to library skills. By singing and moving, children physically engage with the steps of using a shelf marker. This kinesthetic learning approach makes the lesson much more memorable than simply explaining the process. It’s about doing, moving, and singing – all things that resonate deeply with young children.
The Shelf Marker Hokey Pokey: Lyrics and Action
The beauty of this lesson lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The lyrics are easy to learn and follow, mirroring the steps of selecting a book and using a shelf marker. Here’s a version of the lyrics that has proven to be a hit with young learners:
Shelf Marker Hokey Pokey
You put the marker in,
You take the book out,
You leave the marker in,
And you flip the book about.
(Flip through pages as if deciding)
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn yourself around.
That’s what it’s all about!
You put the book back in,
You take the marker out.
You put the marker in,
(Place it by a different book)
See what another book’s about.
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn yourself around.
That’s what it’s all about!
You take the book with you.
You take the marker too.
You line up at the desk
So that I can check you out.
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn yourself around.
That’s what it’s all about!
Each verse of the song guides children through the process: placing the marker, selecting a book, deciding if it’s the right one, returning it, and finally, taking a chosen book to checkout. The “hokey pokey” and turning around elements keep the energy high and the children engaged.
Why the Hokey Pokey Song Works for Library Lessons
Using a song like the Hokey Pokey to teach library skills is effective for several reasons. Firstly, music naturally captures children’s attention and makes learning enjoyable. Secondly, the repetitive nature of the song aids memorization. By singing the steps, children are more likely to remember the correct way to use shelf markers. Lastly, the physical movements associated with the Hokey Pokey make it an active learning experience, catering to different learning styles and keeping energy levels positive. The Shelf Marker Hokey Pokey transforms a potentially dry instructional moment into a fun, interactive, and memorable library lesson that first graders will adore.
