During the sixth six weeks, I review all of the above. We do a lot of circle games and singing games, partner songs, partner singing games, street games and play parties and perform off-campus for an end of the year reward for work well done.
This year, we are experimenting with midi songwriting in all grades. I begin this unit after the Christmas holidays.
Each day, we spend a few minutes practicing reading rhythms and we use solfege to help develop in tune singing. I use transparencies and charts on and off that allow the students to practice their sightsinging.
Tom Glazer Sings Space Songs is a great way to tie music into the Science class. It has been proven many times over that children learn things faster and internalize the facts better when learned through music. Have fun!
Kodaly Sequencing in Rhythmic and Melodic studies
Using Visual Imagery for Voice Lessons
And for projects that are more involved, you might like to create homemade instruments.
See this URL:
Here is a good outline for teachers to use for a well rounded music lesson.
- Have a greeting. Something that sets a routine for the students as they enter your classroom. It's also called an attention-getter.
- Sing a familiar song.
- Practice some rhythms.
- Practice some melodic reading.
- Sing a new song, practice listening. Have a music appreciation lesson or introduce a composer.
- Play some instruments to a song they already know.
- Reinforce the rhythms and melodies studied earlier in the lesson.
Ending - Sing a farewell song, sing a call response song, or something that will calm them for the next class. Sometimes, I sing what I want to say to them, or I speak in a rhyme or chant to let them know how to leave the room. A rhythmic or melodic reminder that musical elements can be found all around them as they leave for another class or to go outside. Stay alert and always be listening.
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