mrshalesharmonies

Little Johnny Brown

Several years ago I wanted to find a song that was easy for 1st grade students to identify the form. I came across Little Johnny Brown and was a bit nervous, thinking that even though they would be able to learn about form from this piece that they wouldn’t like it. It was different thanContinue reading “Little Johnny Brown”

I Let Her Go Go

This is one that works beautifully with students. I Let Her Go Go easily scaffolds and has a melody that students really enjoy singing. I will provide tips for teaching it in the game section below. Suggested Grade Levels: 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade Analysis: History:There are plenty of resources that say this songContinue reading “I Let Her Go Go”

Bow Wow Wow

I have only used this once with a particularly rowdy group of 3rd grade students. Their minds were absolutely blown when we played the circle game and they ended up with their original partner. Then, at the very end before they left music, a light bulb went off for one boy. The end of BowContinue reading “Bow Wow Wow”

Alabama Gal

Woo! This one is a doozy for younger students, so I recommend doing this with 2nd graders at the youngest. I did this my first year of teaching with 2nd and 3rd graders and it was a bit rough. My 3rd graders were rowdy and it was too much for 2nd graders in just oneContinue reading “Alabama Gal”

My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean

This is one of my favorite beginning-of-year activities to do with my 3rd and 4th grade students. This is around the age where they start thinking they’re too cool to sing and dance with their teacher, but My Bonnie immediately changes that. I love the focus and the smiles that appear on the kids’ facesContinue reading “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean”

Hickory, Dickory, Dock

I like to use Hickory, Dickory, Dock as a steady beat assessment with my kindergarten students. Now that I know more about the history, I am excited to share it with them! I know my students will love the story about the Exeter Cathedral clock and the mice that ran rampant up and down theContinue reading “Hickory, Dickory, Dock”

Bubblegum, Bubblegum in a Dish

Bubblegum, Bubblegum in a Dish is one of those magical pieces that works so well for students of all ages. Children everywhere seem to know this chant and use it for jump rope, choosing peers to be “it,” and so much more! I like using this one as an activity that my kids can doContinue reading “Bubblegum, Bubblegum in a Dish”

Cobbler, Cobbler (Hunt the Slipper)

I use Cobbler, Cobbler with my students every year. The younger ones use it as a beat motion activity where they “hammer” their shoes with rhythm sticks. The older ones use their shoes to compose their own rhythms! No matter how we use it, the kids are always eager to start because they know theyContinue reading “Cobbler, Cobbler (Hunt the Slipper)”

Wee Willie Winkie

Wee Willie Winkie seems to be a staple in Orff Schulwerk repertoire. It is something that I have encountered during my undergraduate career and in many Orff workshops. I personally have not used this with my students, but wanted to look into it because it seems like many other teachers use this song regularly. SuggestedContinue reading “Wee Willie Winkie”

Zemer Atik (Nigun Atik)

I first learned Zemer Atik during my undergraduate studies at the University of Louisville. I thought it was one of the most beautiful dances I had ever been a part of and I still believe that. So far I have only taught this once to 3rd grade students. They find the A section a bitContinue reading “Zemer Atik (Nigun Atik)”