Dr. Emily AronoffAnimal Sounds Sparking Joy!
How delicious is the sheer joy of a toddler enthusiastically roaring like a lion or mooing like a cow? It was a constant chorus of animal noises in my house when my eldest was a toddler. That’s what inspired me to write “Man Had a Job to Do” – a song that taps into this innate fascination to spark a love for Jewish learning Torah stories in our youngest community members.
Bringing Genesis to Life
The song draws from Genesis 2:19, where God tasks Adam with naming all the animals. This simple act emphasizes the special bond between humans and animals, highlighting our role as caretakers of God’s creations. Sharing this story, especially around Simchat Torah when we begin the Torah anew, and re-read the creation story is a tradition shared for many generations.
Why This Song Works: Active Learning & Language Development
“Man Had a Job to Do” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a carefully crafted learning experience. The repetition of phrases helps children internalize new vocabulary, while the interactive nature of the song encourages them to make connections between animals and their sounds. This play-based approach stimulates language development, boosts memory skills, and fosters a sense of confidence as they actively participate.
If you don’t have puppets, don’t worry! Use pictures or stuffed animals.
Lyrics:
Man had a job to do, when G-d made the world new,
He gave the animals names, and now can you name them too?
This animal’s name is ___________ (show puppet/picture),
The ______________ is very good!
The ______________ says ________ (pause and encourage kids to make animal sound…),
That’s right! I knew you could!
Songleader Tips for Maximum Engagement
- Timing is Everything: Give those little voices plenty of time to chime in after you ask, “What does the ____ say?”. Remember, processing speeds vary, and we want every child to feel successful!
- Puppet Power: Keep the puppet hidden until it’s time for the big reveal! This builds anticipation and allows children to focus on identifying the animal and making the sound in one smooth step.
- Embrace the Chaos: Let’s be real, things might get a little loud and silly – and that’s okay! This is joyful noise! Embrace the energy and let the children lead the way with their enthusiasm.
Expanding the Learning:
- Picture Book Pairings: Read aloud “Man Gave Names to All The Animals,” the illustrated book featuring lyrics from Bob Dylan’s song inspired by the same biblical passage.
- Musical Journey: Extend the creation theme with Lisa Baydush’s beautiful song “Six Days to Make the World.”
