So today I’m sharing something super simple but magical for toddlers – messing with that classic “Open Shut Them” song! Gotta be honest, I was just cleaning out the toy bin yesterday, found some forgotten playdough, and boom – the idea hit me. Why not make it wiggly and weird?
The Starting Point: Basic Gestures
First things first, I sat down with my little dude. We started the usual way, singing super slow:
- “Open, shut them…” (made big gestures opening and closing our hands)
- “Open, shut them…” (did it again, super exaggerated)
- “Give a little clap, clap, clap!” (he loved this part, obviously)
After just two rounds? Kid yawned. Big time. Basic version = busted. Time to spice things up!
Playdough Time! Sensory Twist
Grabbed the playdough. This stuff is gold for texture. Squished a big lump down right between us.
- “Open, shut them…” (We squished the dough flat with open palms – squish)
- “Open, shut them…” (Pulled it back into a ball with shut hands – smoosh)
- “Give a little poke, poke, poke!” (Replaced clapping with poking fingers into the dough. Giggles exploded!)
HUGE difference! He was totally hooked on the squishy feel. Keeping things moving!
Body Moves: Wiggly & Loud
Ditched the dough, got silly. Stood up and made it a full-body game.
- “Open, shut them…” (Jumped feet wide apart, then snapped them together – stomp stomp)
- “Open, shut them…” (Made giant arm circles wide open, then crossed arms tight)
- “Give a little ROAR, ROAR, ROAR!” (Yep, replaced clapping with roaring like dinosaurs. Ear-splitting!)
Total chaos! The louder and wackier, the better for him. Energy burned? Check!
Soft & Slow Wind Down
After all that roaring, time to dial it down for bedtime prep. Sat back on the carpet.
- “Open, shut them…” (Slowly opened our hands like flowers blooming)
- “Open, shut them…” (Gently closed them like sleepy eyes)
- “Give a little sigh, sigh, sigh…” (Soft little exhales instead of claps. Super soothing.)
He actually calmed right down. Perfect transition to pajamas.
What Actually Worked (& What Flopped)
Look, not every idea landed:
- Tried “Spin around!” instead of clapping? Little dude got dizzy immediately. Faceplant onto the sofa. Oops.
- Thought “Touch your toes!” would be brilliant. He stared at me like I had three heads. Nope.
The winners? The squishy (playdough pokes!), the loud (roaring!), and the calm (gentle sighs). Simple swaps that matched the mood.
Biggest takeaway? Forget complicated Pinterest stuff. Just grab whatever’s nearby, change one word in the song, and roll with whatever makes your kid light up. Usually, the messier or noisier, the better!