by Nan Keltie

Created on: November 13, 2009   Last Updated: November 17, 2009

It's hard for most preschoolers to stand in line, share favorite things or wait their turn! If you're looking for songs and activities that teach patience, consider the following ...

Song # 1 - "I Am Learning Patience"
(Tune: Ten Little Indians)

I have learned to wait my turn,
I have learned to wait my turn,
I have learned to wait my turn,
I am learning patience!

I have learned to sit and listen,
I have learned to sit and listen,
I have learned to sit and listen,
I am learning patience!

I have learned to stand in line,
I have learned to stand in line,
I have learned to stand in line,
I am learning patience!

Song # 2 - "If You're Patient and You Know It"
(Tune: If You're Happy and You know It)

If you're patient and you know it, stand in line! (Clap, clap)
If you're patient and you know it, stand in line! (Clap, clap)
If you're patient and you know it, then here is how to show it,
If you're patient and you know it, stand in line! (Clap, clap)

If you're patient and you know it, wait your turn! (Clap, clap)
If you're patient and you know it, wait your turn! (Clap, clap)
If you're patient and you know it, then here is how to show it,
If you're patient and you know it, wait your turn! (Clap, clap)

Activity #1 - "I Try to Be Patient"

Talk with children about how it's hard to wait when we really want to do something. Give them examples, and then have them respond with the word patient each time you pause at the end of the following statements. You may wish to include other sentences that deal with your particular classroom needs.

When I must wait for someone to fix my food, I try to be ____.
When I have to wait my turn for a game or toy, I try to be ____.
When I wait for my teacher to call my name, I try to be ____.
When I wait in line for a drink at the fountain, I try to be ____.
When I'm buckled up and waiting to go in the car, I try to be ____.

Activity #2 - "Time to Take Turns"

Collect some of the preschoolers' favorite toys and books and have children sit in a circle. Tell them, "We are going to practice taking turns with things we really like. When we wait for our turn nicely, we are using patience." Start by handing the toy (or book) to the child next to you and have them keep it until you say, "Time to take turns!" Give each child about 10 seconds to hold the item.

They must then pass it on to the next child, who will hold it until you say again, "Time to take turns!" This continues around the circle once or twice. The beauty of this activity is two-fold: The child who is next in line

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