If I Had a Hammer

Spring has arrived! For towns in coastal Maine, this means the start of a new work season for many people. Work has been a theme in many of my recent groups, and I wanted to share a song that I have adapted for this theme. 

I use the folk favorite "If I Had a Hammer" by Lee Hays and Pete Seeger. I've adapted some of the lyrics for my preschool groups in order to create a positive message about work and growing up. The lyrics are:

If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning,

I'd hammer in the evening, all over this land.

And when I grow up, I will be a builder,

I will build love between my brothers and my sisters,

All over this land.

If I had a saw, I'd saw in the morning...

If I had a drill, I'd drill in the morning...

If I had a ladder, I'd climb it in the morning...

As you'll see in the video, I use rhythm sticks and a variety of different "tools" to target motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and imaginary play.  Kids love using their rhythm sticks in creative ways, and have even come up with several new verses!