Even if you can’t sing, one great connection with kids is music, music music. I learned more songs than I ever thought possible when I watched Sharon, Lois & Bram (Sharon Hampson is a three-time breast cancer survivor. She and Lois Lilienstein and Bram Morrison are all now in their 70s.) on ”The Elephant Show” with my older two kids. Skinnamarinky Dinky Dink was a nonsensical favorite. “Peanut peanut butter” was another jazzy tune I recall. My youngest, Ryan, sang along with Barney to “Special” and “I love you.”

All that music flooded back to get my toe tapping over the weekend when we spent a lot of time with little people. They all love to boogie. “Shake your bootie” is the latest favorite of our 2-year-old neighbor. Our 11-month-old granddaughter shakes her bootie to almost anything, and my twin 3-year-old great nieces sing and dance on cue.

If you want to enjoy local singalongs, check out Lindsey Poisson’s article in today’s Erie Times-News about Lori Burke who hosts a sing-along series for children at Goodell Gardens & Homestead. Here’s the info:

- What: Musician Lori Burke will lead children and adults through classic songs and old folk favorites.
- When: Tuesdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 11 a.m. to noon
- Where: Goodell Gardens & Homestead, 221 Waterford St. in Edinboro
- Cost: $2 per person
- Info: Call 734-6699 or visit www.goodellgardens.org.

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa.