This has quickly become one of my favorite songs right now. Not only because of the message but because you just can't help but sing along. This song is going to be the theme of the AoK club at the AFM school this year. The 5th grade classes have been using it as a beat motion song to practice finding the beat and discussing verse/refrain songs. My favorite version is below... but always ask before you go to YouTube.
I love Pete the Cat. We read two of the Pete books in Kindergarten and First grade and sang the songs that go with them. We then followed up with a game "Where's Pete?" We guess which shoe Pete is behind by singing about it and see if he is there!
The Third Grade recently has been discussing dynamics or the difference between loud and soft. My favorite song that shows the difference between the two is the "Habanera" from Carmen. The YouTube version below is probably my absolute favorite and I think some of the classes at JFK as well. Hi to Mrs. DiCecco's class who is chatting while I type this. Thank you to the students who are listening and doing the right thing. ;)
Oh 4th graders... What you have been waiting for.... (And I'm so sorry to your families about it too.) Recorders are going home!!! After a squeaky start, we have been working on actually sounding good on the notes B, A, and G. and now trying to play a few songs. Some hints/ reminders can be found on a new section called "recorders" along with playable tracks for you to practice with. Don't forget "BA Blues" is our White Belt song and you will be tested on it next week.
This past week, the 5th grade started a unit on using chords (three or more notes at a time). We used the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" to help build up these chords and then practiced playing them together in groups. After we played it we listened to this fantastic version of the song... One of my favorites.
Busy busy month!! Getting ready for the Bruins game at AFM/JFK, vacation, working on Pete the Cat in 5th grade, Ordering recorders for 4th grade... phew.. It's been a busy one. But here come a few picture updates!
Next month, MES goes to the Bruins, the recorders finally will come in, 3rd grade starts talking about instruments and many more good things!
2nd grade today showed me the rhythm of a poem by using their shoes. The result was great but a little stinky. Cobbler, Cobbler, mend my shoe. Get it done by half past two. Half past two is at the door. Get it done by half past four.
Once Upon a Time.... There were three Xylophones...Wait. Well in Kindergarten there are. The Kindergarten students spent some time last week reading "The Three Bears" and exploring their high, medium and low voices. Then they got a chance to play a long to a reading of the book and played a xylophone every time they heard a certain word. The big Bass Xylophone for Papa, the Alto for Mama, and the Soprano for Baby. Big instruments make low sounds and small instruments make high sounds. "Best class ever!" as one student said. Check out some pictures below.