Submitted by Caryn Mears and Kelly Davisson, Kennewick, Washington and Keller, Texas

Idea posted May 21, 2004

Alternative Lyrics #1

Two songs that I use for kindergarten graduation are "We Are The People Of The 21st Century" (from Music K-8, Vol. 10, No. 1) and "Kindergarten" (alternative lyrics to Music K-8's "Guacamole!" from Music K-8, Vol. 12, No. 4). Here are the lyrics:

Kindergarten, kindergarten, I really, really like kindergarten! I do!
Kindergarten, kindergarten, I really, really like it, I do!
Take a book, read it, read it, read it.
Take a book. READ IT!
Take a book, read it, read it.
Take a book. READ IT!

We use some maracas and the students do a rolling motion with their arms during the first sections. During the second section they sign the word "book" and then put up their hands on the "READ IT!" It is so simple and they love it.

- from Caryn Mears, Kennewick, Washington

Alternative Lyrics #2

Another MusicK8.com Mailing List member started a kindergarten graduation song to the tune of "Guacamole!" from Music K-8, Vol. 12, No. 4. I loved her idea, and added a second verse. Here are the lyrics:

(roll arms)
Kindergarten, kindergarten, I really, really like kindergarten! I do!
Kindergarten, kindergarten, I really, really like it, I do!
(right hand out, left hand out, hands together, as an open book)
Take a book, read it, read it, read it!
Take a book, read it!
"Kindergarten" (spoken)
Take a book, read it, read it, read it!
Take a book, read it!
(roll arms)
Kindergarten, kindergarten, I really, really like kindergarten! I do!
Kindergarten, kindergarten, I really, really like it, I do!
(back row picks up shakers/maracas, front rows dance)
musical interlude
(right hand out, left hand out, thumbs point to self, "no way" gesture - hands cross outward)
Take a look, now we are first graders,
Take a look, no more...
"Kindergarten" (spoken)
Take a look, now we are first graders,
Take a look, no more...
(roll arms)
Kindergarten, kindergarten, I really, really like kindergarten! I do!
Kindergarten, kindergarten, I really, really like it, I do!
(arms present up)
"Kindergarten!" (spoken)

- from Kelly Davisson, Keller, Texas