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Fun Folk Songs, #2: Shake Them 'Simmons Down

In my practice, I rely a lot on a variety of folk songs--yes, there are age appropriate folk songs for even adolescents and young adults! One reason I LOVE folk songs?  Most of the beloved 'classics' are SO classic that they are public domain.  There is also a rich oral tradition in folk songs, which makes variations plentiful, so there is always a new version out there to give you new ideas.  This series will explore a few of my current favorites.

Today we look at one that I use with my adolescents and young adults with cognitive disabilities.  It is a perennial favorite!

Shake Them 'Simmons Down

CHORUS: 
(E) Shake that tree, do, oh, do, oh
Shake that tree, do, oh, do, oh
Shake that tree, do, oh, do, oh,
Shake them (B7) 'simmons  (E) down...

VERSE:
Circle to the right, do, oh, do, oh,
Circle to the right, do, oh, do, oh,
Circle to the right, do, oh, do, oh,
Shake them 'simmons down...

Other verse options:
Circle to the left...
Clap your hands...
Do-si-do...
Anything you or your clients can think of!


Goals this song addresses:
  • Increased physical activity.  We stand and form a large circle, pretending to shake a tree on "shake that tree," doing a shimmy to the floor on "shake them simmons down," turning to our right and walking around the circle on "circle to the right," and following any other movement directions that come up during the song.
  • Following directions.  This can include directionality (literally!), interpreting left and right--which can be very difficult to do in a circle.  My students tend to want to mirror image the person they see across the way, so this song is always a great review of where right and left are for each individual.  Otherwise, there are plenty of directives that can be incorporated into this song.
  • Self-expression.  I ask each client to contribute a movement idea to the song, which I then incorporate into the lyrics and model for the group.  If a client has difficulty naming a movement, I ask for a body part, and may suggest a movement.  If a client is extremely nonverbal or non-participatory, I take any response at all and incorporate it into the song ("Blink your eyes..." etc.).


A few reasons I love this song:
  • There are so many opportunities for participation, in physical, mental, and communication domains.
  • It is a simple, stepwise melody, making it easier for my students to sing.
  • It is a play-party dance, and leads to other forms of age-appropriate dancing when used as part of a unit.
  • It's fun--I love to play my guitar and shimmy and walk the circle with everyone else.  :-)



 
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Comments

  1. Anonymous3:42 PM

    Big like! A song for me to learn. Please keep the sharing of folk songs coming.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Caylyn5:20 PM

    Great, thanks! Now you'll have to start including recordings-- I'm sure you'll have time for that, ha!

    ReplyDelete

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