What does an American teacher from the 1800s have to do with preschoolers today? That is a good question for those who do not already know the name Eliphalet Oram Lyte. The Lancaster County, Pennsylvania teacher authored grammar and composition books, but his most well-known work is the nursery rhyme Row Row Your Boat. The little song, Row Row Your Boat, has endured through generations to become a favorite among preschoolers everywhere.
What has not endured through time is why he chose the Row Row Your Boat lyrics. As a teacher, it would seem reasonable to expect some meaning or purpose to the Row Row Your Boat words he selected. However, there is no clear indication of that. Although some have attributed the Row Row Your Boat song to be a metaphor for life, it is not evident that Dr. Lyte had any intention of such an application. Therefore, the Row Row Your Boat song has endured, primarily, because of its tune.
Sure, kids are motivated by an uplifting beat, but they are uplifted and inspired by edifying words. Nurturing music for children is not merely about the rhythm. Songs are evaluated by the melody and lyrics. Some songs draw an audience by the instruments or beat. Others get attention for their words. Either is a powerful tool to get across a message. ThumbPeople Inc. has figured out how to combine both factors for the most positive impact. They have taken familiar tunes, such as Row Row Your Boat and adjusted the lyrics to create genuinely nurturing music for children.
A great tune is always appealing and can be the initial attraction. However, the most personal aspect of a song is always the message being presented. This is one of the many reasons why ThumbPeople Inc. gave songs like Row Row Your Boat new lyrics. They want to offer nurturing music for children that contains positive and encouraging messages with appropriate and applicable meaning.
Those who care for preschoolers recognize how important it is to impart affirming messages to children. Particularly, those messages that help them realize how important they are to God and that they have unique purpose. Caregivers go to great effort to find ways to engage kids with the most positive influences possible. It makes sense that a fun song can be a practical and simple way to encourage a child to recognize their great worth and value.
Helping kids and adults recognize their great worth and the blessed life set before them is the mission behind ThumbPeople’s nurturing music for children, the Thumbuddy children’s book series, curriculum for preschoolers and soaking music that reflects God’s unconditional love and faithful promises for each of us.
