Quarter Rest – 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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

Acka Backa

This song has potential issues involving religious insults and sexual content. Please consider what you read here and do your own research to determine if it is appropriate for your students. During my first year of teaching, I used Acka Backa as an elimination game with a particularly rowdy group of 3rd grade students. WeContinue reading “Acka Backa”