Chanting on the playground

8/10/2021

Chanting might be a way to express how we feel in’ to how we show out - a way to portray what feelings sound like. One specific tune that comes to mind is the toddler drone, also known as the playground chant - consisting of three pitches: so mi la so mi.
This ditty is sung all over the world by children who want to display a sense of bravado and often feel that they can conquer the world because they are part of a pack. Maybe the simple act of chanting these notes as part of a larger group increases the brave exterior of the lead chanter.
But I have also been a spectator in situations where the chant’s volume steadily decreases as soon as the chanters realise that the opposing team are way better off in regards to numbers, size, support and loudness.
Showing out what we’re feelin’ inside is an act of courage. Whether we are surrounded by a large group of peers that supports us, or whether we are voicing our vulnerability as an individual.

7 Comments

Jeanette

8/12/2021 12:47:56 am

Even when people believe in you
even when you are regarding as the best singer or musician in history, you will never believe that you do if your biggest supporter does not support you with is yourself

Mostly, our parents support us when we are young and experiencing new things, we get the energy and excitement from them, but like the article said, the moment we see someone better,

We undermine ourselves and even at such a young age.

Maybe we shouldn’t be trying to make our children better singers and musicians, maybe we should teach them to live and appreciate themselves before trying to compete with others.

Janca

8/12/2021 12:48:11 am

Extraordinary events can involve the masses or one individual. For instance, in French history the revolution was lead by the masses, but only Joan of Arch saved France during the 100 years' war. Singing alone can just be as mighty as singing together! Either way - singing can express our inner feelings and influence the world.

Eliana

8/12/2021 12:48:19 am

The toddler drone is a innovating way of giving toddlers a sense of uniqueness and power. It gives them the ability to feel like they can conquer anything that comes their way. It leaves a feeling of unity and they learn to work together.

Margriet Aucamp

8/25/2021 06:10:33 pm

It is often believed that there is safety in numbers. That is why toddlers chant the toddler drone in groups - they feel that, with their friends to support them, they're stronger.

However, I believe true strength is found when one learns to voice one's opinion just as loudly alone as one would with many supporters. That is something I'm sure life will teach those toddlers.

Cara Snyman

9/21/2023 03:26:27 am

I remember children singing this on the playground.
It was wonderful when you could sing it, making you feel that you accomplished something great. However, it made you feel bad if someone else sang it towards you. Even though it makes children feel part of a group, it can also exclude the ones not part of it. It is very interesting to be able to connect the dots and how these notes are the easiest for them to sing in children's songs.

Meré Upton

10/22/2023 03:25:47 am

Giving children the atmosphere to sing and do what they like it gives them a space to be unique and also a sense of safety

Moratwa

10/25/2023 02:20:52 am

Allowing children to express themselves freely gives them an opportunity to be acknowledged not only for who they are but also their said expressions.

Chanting on the playground

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