I love doing Carnival of the Animals in first grade. I use Carnival of the Animals to teach concepts like fast/slow, loud/soft and high/low. It also gives the first-graders a chance to learn how to listen to music and analyze it. Sometimes I also add in some extra "animal" lessons that aren't necessarily a part… Continue reading Children’s Books & Music: Carnival of the Animals
Tag: 2nd Grade
Children’s Books & Music: The Very Quiet Cricket
Another one of the books I love to use with my younger students. This is great when you are introducing or reviewing rest in your classroom, because the cricket is....Quiet!! Like with a lot of my children's books I start with just reading the book at the end of class one day. With The Cricket… Continue reading Children’s Books & Music: The Very Quiet Cricket
Spooky Fun
It's October!!! I think Halloween/Fall music is one of my favorite seasons to teach in the classroom. There are so many things that can be done and so much that can be listened to. Students love playing games with pumpkins, ghosts, and all kinds of creatures. I'm going to share today one of the story-songs… Continue reading Spooky Fun
Project Based Learning: Composition
Last week I presented at our Board of Education meeting about Project Based Learning in the music room. I want to share with you what I shared with them. I think that almost all of what I do in my Orff classroom is Project Based Learning, PBL. I just had a discussion with a colleague… Continue reading Project Based Learning: Composition
Back to School
This is my second week of school and we are in full swing now! For me back to school is an exciting time and I love seeing my students again and getting to make music with them. I teacher 1st-4th graders, so it is nice when I see my 2nd-4th graders they already know my… Continue reading Back to School
Playing with Audiation
My students love doing songs when we "sing in our head" and I love the musicianship it makes them have. It is a challenge for them and a great way for me to see who really has a grasp on the song. This is the basic principal of audiation is... The Gordon Institute for Music… Continue reading Playing with Audiation
Raining All Day Long
There has been so much rain recently. I know it's spring but I don't think the flowers, grass and trees need this much to drink! Oh Rain please go away! Rain, rain go away. This classic children's song can be used for so many things. From So/Mi to recorder playing, to whatever your imagination thinks… Continue reading Raining All Day Long
