Kindergarten – Mrs. Hale's Harmonies

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”

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)”

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”

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”

Eeny Meeny Miny Moe

This song has issues involving race and racial slurs. I recommend that you do not use this with your students. Please consider what you read here and do your own research to learn more about this song. I personally do not use this rhyme with my students due to the inappropriate and harmful version thatContinue reading “Eeny Meeny Miny Moe”

Chicken on a Fencepost (Can’t Dance Josie)

This song has potential issues involving race and racial slurs. Please consider what you read here and do your own research to determine if it is appropriate for your students. Chicken on a Fencepost has been the center of debate for music teachers for quite awhile now. Some believe that it has racist origins, someContinue reading “Chicken on a Fencepost (Can’t Dance Josie)”