(Sample) Week #18 Good Times Songs (Part 1)

Author

Lisa Peterson
April 26, 2026

Week #18

Good Times Songs (Part 1)

This is week 18 of the year and we will be celebrating Good Times Songs (Part 1), by delving into the songs and applying concepts to create more joy and connection during caregiving routines with music.

The songs are:

  • Alexander’s Ragtime Band

  • Cielito Lindo

  • Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue

  • For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow

  • For Me and My Gal

  • Funiculi, Funicula

  • Happy Birthday

  • Hava Nagila

SING ALONG

Featured Song

HAVA NAGILA

“Hava Nagila” is an Israeli folk song whose title means “let us rejoice” in Hebrew. The song is sung at Jewish celebrations, including weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs. The song was composed in part to revive Hebrew as a spoken language after falling into disuse for centuries.

  • Is this melody familiar to you?

  • Are the words familiar?

  • Did you find yourself humming along?

  • How did it affect you? Did your awareness change? Your breath? Your focus? Your mood?

  • Would you feel comfortable playing this in the background and allow yourself to hum or sing along? By yourself and/or with the one(s) you care for?

Hava Nagila Here is Harry Belafonte’s version. I hope you enjoy it!

Creative Ideas

HOW TO USE THE MUSIC

  • Try humming or singing along with the provided recording, or one of your choosing for increased feeling of ______.

  • Listen to a recording to create a shared experience.

  • Listen while engaged in daily routines, to add a feeling of familiarity and comfort (if the song is known and loved)

  • Try reminiscing with the song history, or singers of the song. Look at pictures famous singers who performed the song.

SELF-CARE TIPS

Take a 1-minute Mini Break

Setting a timer for 1 minute to take a mini break can go a long way. You don't have to wait for your day off or the end of your care time, to get a mini break. Give this short exercise a try. You can do it with the video or create you own mini break with these steps.

1) set a timer for a minute

2) close your eyes if you can

3) hum a note or a tune that you like

4) bring your attention to your breath or the sound of your voice

5) notice any thoughts, feelings or body sensations

6) thank yourself for this mini break

If you decide to give it a try, share your story with us at: [email protected]

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