5th Grade – Mrs. Hale's Harmonies

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”

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”

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”

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)”

Flea Fly Flo

Out of all of my students, I think kindergarten enjoys this song the most. My older kids already know that they can expect some weirdness from me, so this is basically the first big nonsensical jump for my kinderbabies! They love trying to get a grasp on the silly words and end up improvising someContinue reading “Flea Fly Flo”