The alphabet song, often a child's first exposure to the formal demands of education, ought to reflect the attitude one wants them to have towards education. They will sing it hundreds of times before they start school. We should therefore give careful thought that the chorus conveys the right message:
"Now I've said my ABC's/Tell me what you think of me."
What a boastful sentiment! Clearly, it communicates that the purpose of education is to show off in front of others. Not what I want to teach.
"Now I've said my ABC's/Won't you come and play with me?"
Here learning is portrayed as a tedious endeavor, to be endured until one can be released to more enjoyable things. Also not desirable.
"Now I've said my ABC's/Won't you sing along with me?"
Ah, now we are getting somewhere. Learning is a joyous enterprise we want to share with others.
I cannot help be reminded of the chorus of the Hebrew Alphabet song which I learned many years ago:
"Now I've said my Aleph Bet/Tell me what you think of thet."
I think thet is enough. | 