Be Kind – Song with ASL instruction and signs
This song was inspired by Dr. Bonnie Henry, the BC provincial health officer.
At the end of ever Covid update, she’d end the broadcast with the words, “Be kind. Be calm. Be safe”
In a world dealing with this pandemic, her voice of calm resonated with many.
Denise Gagne wrote the words and lyrics, and Craig Cassils collaborated to create the arrangement and the beautiful video.
We hope you enjoy the song, and hope that you pass on the message, “Be kind. Be calm. Be safe”
This song was inspired by Dr. Bonnie Henry, the BC provincial health officer.
At the end of ever Covid update, she'd end the broadcast with the words, "Be kind. Be calm. Be safe"
In a world dealing with this pandemic, her voice of calm resonated with many.
After the lesson, maybe your students would want to create their own poster showing what these words mean to them.
This poster is available as a printable in the supporting resources.
Listen to the song and discuss what the song is about.
In the part of the song that says, "Do what you can"
Ask your students if they can think of other things that they could do to be kind, calm and safe during the pandemic.
Have your students create their own movements to express the meaning of the song.
Judi Thomas created the instructional video for the ASL, and the performance video.
In the video Mrs. Thomas explains the sign language.
Note for teachers: Two teachers have let me know that the teaching and performance of ASL by hearing music teachers may be disrespectful to the deaf community. I have reached out to the Canadian, American and World associations for the deaf to ask for guidance. Until I have an answer, I'll leave the sign language posted. If you have a local association for the deaf, ask for guidance.
Optional: The entire song signed
If it's going too fast for you, you can slow down the video by using the little "gear" in the bottom right side.
Note for teachers: Two teachers have let me know that the teaching and performance of ASL by hearing music teachers may be disrespectful to the deaf community. I have reached out to the Canadian, American and World associations for the deaf to ask for guidance. Until I have an answer, I'll leave the sign language posted. If you have a local association for the deaf, ask for guidance.
