Last week our Quayside Circle Time was graced with a surprise performance by the talented Brian Cook, who delighted families with his original children’s songs, including his own version of the Welcome song, Rock Stew, the Happy Bear song and the Train Song. Families were encouraged to sing along with their own lyric sheets to take home.
There’s something truly magical about singing together in a group. It fosters a sense of community and belonging, releasing those feel-good endorphins that brighten our spirits. For children, simple songs with catchy tunes are particularly captivating. They can easily connect with the melodies and rhythms, making music an accessible form of expression that encourages creativity and imagination.
As Brian played, many of the little ones stood up, enchanted by the sound of his guitar, and it was heartwarming to see them drawn close to the stage. They all clapped along with their parents, building an tangible sense of community through participation. Songs that inspire children to include their own additions, such as Rock Stew, are a great way for children to build a sense of agency in contributing “potatoes” or “strawberries”. One child was so inspired that he continued to sing the chorus long after Brian had finished his performance—what a testament to the power of music!
“Polly wolly doodle dum!”, one child called out from the chorus after the song was finished.
We loved seeing the participation of parents! One dad pointed out words on the lyric sheet with his son, reinforcing not just the joy of singing but also the vital link between music and literacy. This is exactly what we aim for at Family Place: to foster learning in a fun and engaging way. Brian, a dedicated literacy advocate, will be leading upcoming songwriting workshops at the Surrey library, where he inspires families to use books as a springboard for creativity—something he practices in his own songwriting.
Brian’s connection to Family Place runs deep; as a father of adult children who once attended family Place programs in Vancouver, he knows firsthand the importance of community spaces for families. His passion for children’s music written originally for his own kids. It is a testament to family Place programs that so many of our staff and volunteers have a personal connection to the programming that inspires giving back.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special Circle Time! We can’t wait to see what other surprises await us in the future. We are greatful to Brian for offering this special time to connect through song. If you would like to enjoy Brian Cook’s songs with your children, check out his website or find him on Instagram, Youtube, or Spotify!
If you enjoy our special guests at drop-ins and want to know more, be sure to take a look at our featured events on our homepage. This month we have Mrs. Lori’s Parent-Tot Music on Monday, October 21 and Cantonese Circle Time with Priscilla on Monday, October 28.
Until next time, keep singing and sharing the joy of music with your little ones!