I used to feel rather frustrated planning November sessions. The number of songs associated with Thanksgiving to a few hymns and “Over the River and Through the Woods”. Businesses and facilities are starting to decorate for Christmas.
Not wanting to burn out of holiday music and wanting to discuss more than Thanksgiving, pilgrims and Indians, I was left struggling with other timely themes.
If you feel like your November session planning is challenging, give these three topics a try. Hopefully they will support your Thanksgiving topics while leaving you time to plan for a song filled December.
3 additions to November celebrations beyond the turkey
#1. Friendship Month.
According to The Activity Director’s Office, November is Friendship Month. It makes sense as November is a time of family and friends gathering together. Here are some friendship songs.
For Preschoolers
- “Make New Friends but Keep the Old”
- “The More We Get Together”
- “Making Friends” – Rachel Rambach
For Older Adults
- “Lean on Me” – Bill Withers
- “With a Little Help From My Friends” – The Beatles
- “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – Randy Newman
- “That’s What Friends are For” – Dionne Warwick and friends
- “I’ll Be There” – Jackson 5
- “Wind Beneath My Wings” – Bette Midler
- “You’ve Got a Friend” – James Taylor
- “Friendship” – Kay Kyser
- “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Simon and Garfunkel
- “My Buddy” – Henry Burr
- “Stand by Me” – Ben E. King
#2. Aviation History Month
The older generation has witnessed many changes in aviation. Many children are fascinated by planes. With the days around Thanksgiving being big travel days add in this annual observance.
For Preschoolers
- Sing songs about flight.
- Preschool Education has a collection of partner songs all about airplanes.
For Older Adults
- The Online Aviation History Museum provides a variety of photos and facts you can share.
- Sing songs about flight.
- Explore the space race with these songs
#3. Geography Month
Whether it is a past trip or a dream trip, take time to explore the globe.
For Preschoolers
- This post includes some preschool songs.
- Songs of Travel
- Share this singable book
For Older Adults
- Traveling America
- Be sure and see why “Travel Unlimited” is a worth while investment.
- Cruise into the New Year
How do you handle the November session planning challenge?
Expanding your options is one way. Adding special month long observances to your list is one way. Observing special days is another. You can find many of these at Brownielocks.
Other option is to find resources to speed your planning. You’ll find many sessions for older adults and intergenerational sessions available with a membership in Session Cafe.
I’d love to hear from you. What do you add to your November plans beyond the turkey? Share in the comments below.
