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Valentine’s Day is
such fun for children! Most parents and grandparents have nicknames
for their children, and this song provides a wonderful opportunity to
talk (and sing!) about them. Have a discussion, and you will learn
lots about the children in your care! Read the notes below the song before
sharing it with children.
Sweetie Pie
1. Sweetie Pie, Sweetie Pie,
 Won’t you be my
little Sweetie Pie
We’ll
have fun together, you and I
You’re my Sweetie Pie
2. Doodlebug, Doodlebug,
Won’t you be my little
Doodlebug
Come
on over and I’ll give you a hug
You’re my Doodlebug
3. Sweet Pea, Sweet Pea,
Won’t you be my little
Sweet Pea
We’ll
have fun together, wait and see
You’re my little Sweet Pea
4. Skidamarink, Skidamarink,
Won’t you be my
little Skidamarink
We’ll
have fun together, don’t you think?
You’re my Skidamarink
5. Buggaboo, Bugaboo,
Won’t you be my little
Bugaboo
We
can play together me and you
You’re my Bugaboo
6. Sweetie Pie, Sweetie Pie,
Won’t you be my
little Sweetie Pie
We’ll
have fun together, you and I
You’re my Sweetie Pie
ABOUT NICKNAMES
Talk about what a “nickname” is. Some children will only think about
shortened versions of their real names, (like Vivvy, instead of
Vivienne). So you will want to talk about “special” names parents use.
Once you have given a few examples, children will realize and love
sharing those special names with everyone! I like to go around the
class or group, and ask each child what their mother or father or
other relative calls them. Some children will be able to tell you
right away. Others won’t think of a nickname until they hear what some
of their friends say. Then they will either think of the name, or copy
what someone else has said. Children are very proud of these special
names, and will become very excited to share! If you want to really
have fun with it, ask the parents ahead of time, what special names
they have, and you can be ready to work them into the song as you go
around the circle. Also be ready to “give” a name to a child if their
parents don’t have one. This song has lead to many spirited and
touching conversations, and I always learn about the children and
their families.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Before you sing the song, write down each child’s nickname on a piece
of pink or red paper. You might add a fun Valentine’s sticker too!
Place the papers in a basket. As you draw each one, say it, and then
sing a verse with the name. To incorporate early literacy, have
children read the name, or help them sound it out. Younger children
may only be able to tell you what letter the names starts with. Modify
this activity for the literacy level of your children.
Some children will take this song to a whole new level, wanting to
make up their own names- not related to anything, just silly! I’ve had
some very interesting results with this activity, as children engage
their unique sense of humor. Write these names down on a poster or
chalkboard.. But be prepared for this to be a seemingly endless
conversation! Once again, you can work early literacy into this
activity as you write and discuss the letters and words.
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February
2010 Song of the Month