PREFACE

How many times have you wanted to sing a song to your child and found you couldn't remember the words? This has happened to us so many times that we decided to compile a book of our favorite songs and fingerplays to share with our forgetful friends and their wee ones.

Music can create a special closeness and joy to those who experience it together. However, for a child, there is more to music than mere enjoyment. Language development, muscular coordination, body awareness, rhythmic proficiency, auditory discrimination and self confidence are a few of the benefits acquired from an early exposure to music. The young child is eager for musical and rhythmic experiences, thus providing a perfect time to introduce songs and fingerplays.

Music can also provide a positive resource for approaching those crisis situations with children. As the hour of waiting in the doctor's office is drawing to a critical climax, nimble those fingers, begin "Three little Monkeys" and feel the knot in your stomach untie. Or, as the road sign reads 20 more miles, bellow out "a chick, chick here" and watch the scowl on Dad's face disappear as he joins in with "a chick, chick there." Music may be the answer in moving from crisis to calm.

We want to thank our many friends who have contributed to this book. For them, and for you, we hope Wee Sing will bring many special, enjoyable times with your wee ones.
Pam Beali & Susan Nipp