MUSIC

The 3rd and 4th graders have been a delight to work with!  We've established a pretty good routine in class where children are working towards a music class party before we break for the winter. Depending on their responsiveness to quiet signals and other listening tasks during a class period, they can earn a star on their star chart each week, eventually working up to a music party.  Kids seem to be really responsive to this new procedure and are taking responsibility for their efforts in class.  

The 3rd and 4th graders are learning a new piece on the Orff instruments called "Leaves are Falling."  This song has both a melody and an accompaniment part.  Children have explored both parts and have now settled into their preferred part and are learning to master it.  Once we get the parts down, we will attempt to do this song as a round as well!  The children are not only singing this song as well as playing it, but have come up with some wonderful choreography ideas using ribbons and scarves.  The kids are essentially crafting their own arrangement of this piece, using singing, instruments and dance.

We've also had a great time learning a seasonal folk dance called "Turkey in the Straw."  This is a playful, fun song and dance that requires partners.  Children are learning to work together, cooperating with each other through movement.  This seemingly simple dance actually has a lot to it, as there are clapping and patting patterns, turning and twirling sequences that require a lot of mutual awareness and cooperation, all disguised as play!

The 3rd and 4th graders are continuing to build upon their musical awareness, learning to listen to an entire ensemble at the same time that they are keeping their own part going, essentially learning to musically multitask and involve the brain on many levels.

The kids and I spend a lot of time talking about how our brains work.  We discuss how some things come easier to some people and while our natural abilities can be recognized, it is more our effort and persistence that is praiseworthy.  We talk about being accepting of ourselves where we are at in our musical process.  Children are learning to actively practice non-judgment towards their peers.