Sing-Song & Story
(during lockdown)
Lockdown Sing-Song & Story for Babies, Toddlers and their Grown Ups
“Thank you Jen for everything - it’s been totally brilliant and you have helped put a smile on all of our faces during such a weird time. ”
(Jen was interviewed by a journalist read the full interview here below are some snippets)
Why did you decide to do it?
When lockdown began I felt helpless and I questioned what I could do to help. I am not a frontline worker, not a doctor or nurse, a care worker and I don’t work in a food shop. I tell stories or help other people tell stories. I know that stories and songs can help us understand the world. They bring us together.
When we sing and tell stories together it gives us a sense of community and togetherness. At a time of ‘isolation’ this has never felt more needed.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you for your boundless joy and energy. It’s really been a nugget of happiness in our lockdown lives.”
How did you spread the word?
People show up, week in and week out. As a working mum I know how hard lockdown can be with a toddler. I can only imagine what it must be like if you have more than one child, if you have a tough boss or kids that are school age and your struggling through home-schooling too. I salute anyone in that position. And don't get me wrong, sometimes kids don’t engage in the sessions – maybe they are hungry or tired or just don't want to sing today, and that is fine. More than fine. The tricky thing about online sessions is that I can’t engage like I would in person. Sometimes an onscreen version of a person simply isn’t good enough. I think my job in these sessions is to provide a structure for half an hour. A structure that the parents can follow and actually it’s the parents that the kids are learning from, it’s not me. And then sometimes it is me. Sometimes it’s watching the other kids.
It’s a nod to other parents. It’s a virtual hug. It’s an acknowledgement from me to you. You are doing great. It’s full of love from my house to yours.
“Thank you! She’s absolutely entranced watching your sessions, thank you for being such a lovely constant in our lockdown, we’ll miss you! ”
“Sadie and I (and sometimes Lillie) have been joining these every so often to see my lovely friend Jen, sing, and have my littles run around for hours with terrible terrible Scottish accents. They enjoy “Singing with friends and Merida”. The world is big but Community is everywhere.”
— Parent