The Elbow Squeeze
Guest Blogger Carissa Knoles
Tis’ the season for cough cold and flu. Here’s a little ditty to get you through!
The human body has an innate ability to respond to rhythm. The brain is hard wired to pick up on repeating patterns, making music get “stuck in your head.” As we listen to music, the typical alpha waves running in our brain transform to beta and theta waves which are responsible for memory retention and creativity. As school is back in session for many children, use music to keep your little ones healthy and having fun.
The Elbow Squeeze
(to the tune of “Do Your Ears Hang Low?”)
It’s the Elbow Squeeze for my cough, for my sneeze
I won’t share my germs, if you please.
I can share my pizza, french fries or my peas,
But I won’t share my germs with the Elbow Squeeze!
*Each time you say the words “Elbow Squeeze” bring the crease of one of your elbows to your mouth to model the “healthy way” to sneeze or cough. Add your own movements for additional brain and body connections!
It is a fact that sneezing or coughing into your elbow decreases the spread of germs in every day interactions. It is rare that children or even adults “high five” or shake hands using the crease of the elbow, so exposure is much less. Music is medicine in many ways, so use at your own risk! Side effects may include extreme joy, toe tapping and excessive laughter.
Carissa Knoles holds a BGS in Children and Families from the University of Michigan. She also has over 6 years experience working in NAEYC Accredited Early Childhood programs and is pursuing further education in Early Childhood and Music Therapy. Carissa is the secretary of the Metro Detroit Association of the Education of Young children in addition to providing music enrichment programs in the Metro Detroit area. Working as an advocate for Early Childhood Education through both music and leadership is a dream come true for Carissa. You can find out more about Music with Ms. Carissa by visiting www.mscarissarocks.com!
Author: Amber Louchart
Meet Amber, a busy work-at-home mom to four fantastic kids: Damian (27), Rosaleigh (15), Carlyn (12), and Naomi (9)! 🌟 When she’s not running Metro Detroit Mommy, she loves to dive into creative projects like drawing, photography, and crafting, or unwind with some gardening, reading, and meditation. 🌿🎨📸 Amber cherishes the moments she gets to spend with her kids and feels incredibly fortunate to provide them with endless opportunities and experiences through her work. She’s also on a personal journey, focusing on improving her emotional health every day. 💖✨ Life is full, fun, and always an adventure with Amber and her crew! 🎉
Meet Amber, a busy work-at-home mom to four fantastic kids: Damian (27), Rosaleigh (15), Carlyn (12), and Naomi (9)! 🌟 When she’s not running Metro Detroit Mommy, she loves to dive into creative projects like drawing, photography, and crafting, or unwind with some gardening, reading, and meditation. 🌿🎨📸
Amber cherishes the moments she gets to spend with her kids and feels incredibly fortunate to provide them with endless opportunities and experiences through her work. She’s also on a personal journey, focusing on improving her emotional health every day. 💖✨
Life is full, fun, and always an adventure with Amber and her crew! 🎉