I like things that bring people together, that promote understanding, that support relationship building, and that makes the world a better place. Join Hands Day – May 4, 2013 – is that kind of day.
The American Fraternal Alliance has a resource guide filled with ideas. I can’t resist adding some hand songs to such a special day. Consider these:
- Clap Your Hands – They Might Be Giants (Young children enjoy this one)
- Hand Jive (lots of fun for getting all generations moving)
- Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand (an easy one for intergenerational groups to sing)
- Hold My Hand – Hootie and the Blowfish (sing or discuss the lyrics)
- Second Hand Rose (Older generations may recall this one. Perfect for discussing pros and cons of second-hand items)
- The Hands of Time/Brian’s Song (boomers will remember the movie and the tune)
- I Wanna Hold Your Hand – Beatles
- Lovely Hula Hands (More fun and exercise)
- Hands Up – Ottawan (The group may only know the refrain so sing it and pass items or dance to the verses)
Want more ideas for intergenerational programs?
Become a Intergenerational member of Session Cafe. You’ll have access to over 30 time-tested intergenerational session plans to mix and match for your own groups of preschoolers and older adults. New session materials will be added approximately every two months.
You’ll also have access to our series “Cooking-up an IG Group” and support materials (sample proposal, sample parent letter, etc.) to help speed your preparation.
I leave you with a reminder.
We all have difficult times in life when a hand, a hug is a strong reminder that better times are coming. The lyrics of this Steven Curtis Chapman song are a perfect reminder of that.
JoAnn,
Reading your posts is always a great memory blast for me as I hear old favorites in my head, and a learning experience as I find new music to enjoy!
Thanks,
Ann
I’m always excited to spur great memories and fun learning opportunities, Ann.
Yup! Nothing like good ‘ol fashioned hand holding to warm our hearts and connect us to a higher purpose than ourselves.
And I’m a total sucker for images with little and big hands 🙂
So true hand holding is powerful. The image is from a family toddler photo.
Very nice! I also LOVE Michael Jackson’s Hold My Hand !
With some folks that would be the perfect song, Kathy.
Here’s a hands song from 1958 sung by Eydie Gorme – “You Need Hands” https://youtu.be/wldoxgru5SA