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”
Category Archives: 1st Grade
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”
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”
Bobby Shafto
I used this song with my 2nd grade students when we were working on an aural dictation exercise. They were able to decipher the entirety of the song while working together as a class, which was very exciting to see as a teacher. They really bought into the song when I told them it wasContinue reading “Bobby Shafto”
Naughty Kitty Cat
My students have known that I love cats for years. At the beginning of the year during the “get to know each other” phase of school, I always show them pictures and videos of my cats. My longhaired tabby, Waffle, is always the favorite and the kids scream out that he’s so fat and fluffy,Continue reading “Naughty Kitty Cat”
Bluebird Through My Window
This is one that I highly recommend doing with your younger students. When my kids play it, I give them a bluebird finger puppet that lands on the head of a classmate at the end of the song. The kids trade the bluebird throughout and never seem to tire from playing the game. This isContinue reading “Bluebird Through My Window”
Button You Must Wander
Button You Must Wander is a hit with my students. It is probably their most requested game out of everything we play all year. Even my 4th graders regularly ask if we’ll have time at the end of class to play it! I have a big bag of colorful buttons and get ridiculously sad whenContinue reading “Button You Must Wander”
The Bear Went Over the Mountain
I personally have not used The Bear Went Over the Mountain with my students, but many of my early childhood education colleagues do. I can hear the kids singing this song in their classrooms, so I decided that I would crack it open to see its potential benefits for the music classroom. Suggested Grade Levels:Continue reading “The Bear Went Over the Mountain”
Mrs. Hale's Harmonies 