Music Program: Sweater Weather Sing-along
- Taylor Kurta
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Duration: 30 - 40 minutes (Can be shortened or lengethened depending on how many songs/prompts you use)
Goals:
Encourage creative self-expression and reminiscence through familiar songs
Foster warmth, laughter, and social connection
Description: Sweater Weather Sing-along is a program that invites everyone to gather, get cozy, and share in the warmth of music as the seasons turn. Participants sing familiar, uplifting classics that evoke togetherness, joy, and cozy memories. The program includes opportunities to sing, tap, or move along with rhythm instruments, creating a sense of warmth and connection for everyone involved.
Materials:
Bluetooth speaker or large screen to show videos
Percussion instruments (shakers, tambourines, hand drums)
Youtube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W25MUTc_ju4&list=PL8_xNKhvJflNIP6gIhzRevYm2JydpFpQp
Props for theme (blankets, mugs, scarves)
Instructions and script (also provided below)
Suggested Songs:
Button Up Your Overcoat – Dinah Shore
Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella – Bing Crosby
My Girl – The Temptations
Autumn Leaves – Nat King Cole
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
Walking in a Winter Wonderland – Bing Crosby
Jamaica Farewell – Harry Belafonte
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
Flow:
Welcome & Warm-Up Song (5 mins)
Guided Singing and Discussion (20–30 mins)
Closing Reflection and Song (5 mins)
Adaptations and Facilitator Tips:
Offer rhythm instruments for non-verbal participants and gently model their use.
Encourage humming, tapping, or gentle movement for those who prefer nonverbal engagement.
Adjust number of songs or discussion length based on group engagement.
Offer props (e.g., blankets, scarves, warm tea) to promote a cozy space!
Instructions and Script:
Welcome and Warm-Up (5 mins)
Song 1: Button Up Your Overcoat
“Hi everyone! Welcome to Sweater Weather Sing-along! As the air turns crisp and the sweaters come out, today’s songs will bring a little extra warmth and cheer into the room. Some people love when the weather turns cool, and others miss the warmth of summer. Before we start singing, I am curious to know, how do you feel about the weather getting cooler?"
Engage in group discussion
"Let's start with a song that welcomes in the change of seasons!"
🎶 Play Button Up Your Overcoat
Sensory Prompt (during the song): Encourage participants to mime buttoning coats, wrapping scarves, or brushing off a cool breeze.
Guided Singing and Discussion (20–30 mins)
Song 2: Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella
“Even on the grayest days, a smile can brighten everything around us. This next song reminds us that optimism and kindness can be the best kind of shelter.”
🎶 Play Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella
Sensory Prompt (during the song): Pretend to open-up and hold an umbrella during the chorus,
Reflective Prompt (after the song): "What helps you find sunshine on a rainy day?”
Song 3: My Girl
“This next song brings a burst of warmth and joy. It’s all about the people who make life brighter no matter the weather!"
🎶 Play My Girl
Sensory Prompt (during the song): Encourage finger-snapping, clapping, or light shoulder movement with the beat.
Song 4: Autumn Leaves
“As we sing this next song, we say a gentle goodbye to autumn - the golden leaves, the cozy sweaters, and those peaceful afternoons before winter arrives. Autumn Leaves reminds us that every season brings its own kind of beauty, even as one fades into the next.”
🎶 Play Autumn Leaves
Sensory Prompt (during the song): Encourage slow side-to-side swaying, as if feeling a light autumn breeze.
Reflective Prompt: “What’s something you look forward to as fall turns into winter?"
Song 5: Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
“Now let’s step into winter! This song helps us find the joy in snowy days - that cozy feeling of being safe and warm while the snow falls outside.”
🎶 Play Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Sensory Prompt (during the song): Invite participants to ‘brush off snow’ with their hands or blow into their palms as if warming up.
Reflective Prompt (after the song): “What’s your favourite way to enjoy a snowy day - watching the snow fall from a cozy chair, sipping something warm, or getting outside to enjoy winter activities?"
Song 6: Walking in a Winter Wonderland
“This song takes us right into the heart of winter - sparkling snow, laughter, and that feeling of wonder that comes with a fresh snowfall. It reminds us that even in the coldest days, there’s beauty, joy, and connection all around.”
🎶 Play Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Sensory Prompt (during the song): Encourage participants to sway their arms like they are walking in the snow. You can also invite participants to march their feet to the beat of the music.
Song 7: Jamaica Farewell
"Even though winter can be beautiful, sometimes it is nice to be able to escape to a sunny getaway. As we sing this next song, let's pretend we are on a warm tropical beach!"
🎶 Play Jamaica Farewell
Reflective Prompt (after the song): “If you could escape the cold and travel anywhere warm right now, where would you go?”
Closing Reflection
Song 8: I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
“As we come to the end of our Sweater Weather Sing-along, this final song reminds us that warmth doesn’t just come from blankets or sweaters, or even sunny destinations - it comes from love, friendship, and the connections that keep us warm all year round."
Reflective Prompt (before the song): "Who or what brings warmth into your life?"
"Thank you all so much for sharing. Let’s finish with a song that wraps us up this feeling - I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.”
🎶 Play I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
Sensory Prompt (during the song): Encourage participants to sway side to side, tap gently, or share a smile with the person next to them.
Facilitator Closing: “Thank you all for singing and sharing today. As we head into the cooler days ahead, may we carry this warmth, laughter, and the love that keeps us all connected!"
