This song was written by Matt Norman, one of the musicians at Wren. It is a really good song for large groups e.g. classes or assemblies. If you are singing to an audience, then teach them the chorus first, so they can join in.
Make large size (A4 or A5) symbols of the ‘places’ where we have friends e.g. world, sea, town &c. You can include other places local to you or familiar to your learners – clubs, schools, horse riding, shops or restaurants.
Some volunteer learners can come to the front and hold up the symbols so that the singers know the order of the words. Or you can tape several A4 symbols together to make a long banner. Or you can stick hook velcro on the back and place them on a Velcro fabric covered board.
Practise the signs for the key words – friend – across – world – know – me – how – street
Sing the song at a pace that gives everyone time to make the signs.
AAC (ICT) singers who use a voice output communication aid can sing the last phrase i.e.
“and my friends across the street know me”
each time it comes around. Other learners can clap twice and then repeat the phrase.
