Here are some albums to set the mood and create the basis for learning:
Holiday Songs Around the World - Educational Activities, Inc., arr. by Catherine Slonecki This journey around the world begins in the USA with the popular "This Is My Country." The Canadian ballad "No One is an Island" sung in English and French, has a wide application. "Chiapanecas" and "Feliz Navidad" add Spanish-language flair to the album. "Lippai", an Austrian shepherd's carol is an unusual and interesting addition. Children enjoy the familiar "Kum Ba Ya", "This Little Light of Mine", and "Dreydl Song". The Chinese "Feast of Lanterns", Japanese "Cherry Trees (Sakura)", the Egyptian "Little Gazelle", and Dakota Indian "Psalm of Thanksgiving" add beauty. The album includes a note of fun with "La Conga" and two rollicking Irish songs. Many songs include dance movements and instructions, like the English "Maypole Song."
English language adaptations of songs from other lands is useful for young children because they can learn the meanings of the words. It is a good beginning album that can be followed up with listening to the songs in the native language (particularly the Ukrainian "Carol of the Bells").
Children's Folk Dances - Kimba Educational, Georgiana Stewart This whirlwind of dances from around the world is perfect for a party, as it includes easy to follow dance instructions for each song. An all-English album except for a line or two of French in "Sur le Pont d'Avignon, it nonetheless includes songs from Sweden to South Africa. The first song is a longer, active version of "Polly Wolly Doodle." The Swedish "Sma Grodorna", an animal guessing game, inspires creativity. One of the most fun is "Hobby-Horse Parade" from England (I say, jolly good show!). If you have lots of children to work with, try the German dance that is challenging to perform as well as say, "Die Hammerschmiedsgsellen." A large soft doll will be useful for performing the "Tarantella Doll" dance.
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