We've been singing and reading multiple versions of familiar nursery rhymes in 5K. It's been a fun unit, and we're wrapping it up with the Wee Sing video, "King Cole's Party".
I'm busy learning names and will look forward to everyone visiting during Open House on October 8!
First graders were introduced to our unit by learning the "call and response" song, "Kye Kye Kule".
We were able to connect this with the "I Sing, You Sing" songs we have sung since Kindergarten.
Obwisanna is a circle singing game that African children play, most likely using small rocks. We used shaker eggs, as they were more fun!
The Lion Game is another circle singing game that we played. This game uses a rock and is an elimination type of game. We had lots of fun with this one as well!
We could relate these games to ones that American children play!
First graders got to experience playing a collection of African instruments!
We watched a Reading Rainbow video where we were able to see how an African drum is made, as well as demonstrations of other instruments, some of them which we have!
In second grade music classes we are learning about the instrument families of the orchestra. This website presents the concept in an engaging and fun way. Students are welcome to explore this at home, as well, and can register for a free account.
I thought I'd share the grade level songs that were sung at our final 2014-15 PBIS assembly. As always, the students enjoyed preparing and performing their song! Enjoy, and be sure to scroll down for notes about each grade level! :)
I'm looking forward to seeing my 5K friends in 1st grade in September! They've grown a lot this year, and I can't wait to see what they'll learn and accomplish next year!
I'm hoping my 1st grade friends take the words of "Make A Difference" to heart as they become the leaders of our campus in September! I am anxious to try new activities and songs with them, and watch them soar!
As the 2nd graders move "Onward" I am finding that I'm shedding more than a few tears!
These talented Spartan Stars were "new" as Kindergarteners when I was "new" to McFarland, and as I've told them, I simply can't imagine being here without them!!
They will forever hold a very special place in my heart!
I will look forward to following their progress as they advance through the wonderful McFarland schools, and hope that they will always keep a song in their heart and let their voice be heard!
2nd grade classes participated in a Note Trainer Competition for approximately one month. Their class percentage was updated each music class, and the highest percentage at the end of the competition won a Music Reward Day (stations of fun music activities).
The Freddie the Frog books by Sharon Burch give an excellent introduction to the Treble Clef Staff.
The 1st graders really enjoyed learning with these stories!
1st graders also enjoyed the Bean Bag Toss game on the Treble Clef Staff on our carpet.
It was a team game where the "contestant" needed to name the note where their bean bag landed.
2nd graders participated in a class note naming competition. The class who held the highest percentage at the end of the 4 week activity wins a Music Reward Day later this month.
iPads were used in notation and note spelling activities and also in our Silly Staff game.
Students were really engaged in this unit, and have shown great improvement in their note naming skills! I am very pleased with what they've accomplished!
