NJMEA Elementary Music Session Thursday, February 19, 2015

“KEEP CALM…

And Teach
Kindergarten
Music!”

Lisa Wichman [email protected]

Elementary Vocal Music Specialist / Kinnelon School District (Morris County)
NJSMA General Music Division Chairperson

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15
 Kindergarten Music- The Year of:

Beat
preparation

JOY AND
ABOVE
LOVE OF
ALL:
MUSIC!

Lesson Plan Format!

ENTRANCE MUSIC: Students enter classroom and are immediately engaged by performing motions with teacher.

WELCOME SONG: A short and sweet greeting song.

GROUP EXPERIENCE: A song/singing game/movement activity.

Each student is actively involved; vocal warm-up. Typically a standing/moving circle.

VOCAL EXPLORATION: A brief activity, in a sitting circle.

Through the use of props and visuals, students begin to find their singing voices.

INSTRUMENTS: Every week, a new rhythm instrument is introduced.

The students learn the name and technique of each instrument. Special attention and training is given to
appropriate playing (when to play/when to stop/follow ‘conductor’), as well as loud/soft; fast/slow, etc.

RELAXATION :
A singing game/movement activity which students already know. They’ve been sitting and concentrating for awhile –
now it’s time to stand/move/relax/have fun. Often a song on CD for teacher’s vocal rest.

GROUP EXPERIENCE: Slot to introduce new singing game/movement repertoire, plus, same as above “Group Experience”

SECRET SONG BAG: An opportunity for students to sing familiar songs, based on clues from ‘Secret Song Bag”
SOLO SINGING WITH MELODY – An opportunity for students to sing individually through a puppet.

SINGABLE PICTURE BOOK: A picture book which is sung together, or just by teacher.
A good foundation/preparation for reading as well as further opportunity for singing for the joy of it!
Book is often related to holiday/theme of the month.

GOOD-BYE SONG: “Let’s Sing Good-bye, Good-bye”

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 Sample Lesson Plan
ENTRANCE MUSIC: “Stars and Stripes Forever,” Sousa

WELCOME SONG: “Let’s Sing Hello”

GROUP EXPERIENCE: “Here We Go Looby Loo”

VOCAL EXPLORATION: Slide Whistle Echoes

INSTRUMENTS: Shaker Eggs - Name/Technique/Medley

RELAXATION : “Aunt Dinah’s Gone”

GROUP EXPERIENCE: “Here Sits a Monkey”

SECRET SONG BAG: 2 clues: “Eensy Weensy Spider” & “The Wheels on the Bus”

SINGABLE PICTURE BOOK: “Sing, Sing a Song,” T. Lichtenheld

GOOD-BYE SONG: “Let’s Sing Good-bye, Good-bye”

ENTRANCE MUSIC
SUGGESTIONS:

*Patriotic
*Classical
*Related to season,
theme of the month,
holiday
ENTRANCE MUSIC:
Students will quietly enter
the music room and go to their assigned spots
WELCOME SONG!
“Let’s Sing Hello” (Kindermusik Beginnings)
upon hearing a musical recording. The start of
After entrance music, immediately
the music signifies that the teacher is ready
begin singing “Let’s Sing Hello” (or your choice
to begin class. As they walk into the room, of welcome song). This indicates the start of
students follow the directions of the teacher music class, singing as ‘one.’
(hand jive/hand motions/singing). They are
immediately engaged and participating musically This is also used as a goodbye song,
while entering the classroom. “Let’s Sing Goodbye.”
(the final lesson component)

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 KEEP CALM….
and Sing and Move to Music!

GROUP MUSICAL ACTIVITY

NJCCCS* : 1.3.P.A. 1-6

1.3.P.B.1/3/4/5
1.3.2.A.1-3

http://musicstandards.org/states/new-jersey/

GROUP MUSICAL ACTIVITY

*All children are actively singing,
moving or dancing
*Vocal warm-up
*Cooperative group skills
*Direction following
OCCURS AT
BEGINNING
*New repertoire
AND MIDDLE *Modulate as you repeat song
OF
LESSON! *Activities increase in
difficulty as year progresses

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 GROUP MUSICAL ACTIVITY
LOOBY LOO Public Domain

Standing circle. ‘Toes to the left.’ Move on refrain; face

inside on verses, following directions of lyrics.

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 GROUP MUSICAL ACTIVITY
BLUEBIRD
150 American Folk Songs to Sing, Read and Play GAME:
YOUTUBE: http://youtu.be/NCnPntBC6pA Standing circle;
Arms at sides with room
between each
PURPLE STEW child.(windows)
Singing Games Children Love, Vol. 1 – Denise Gagne One child goes in and
out windows. Takes
partner (on pick
HERE SITS A MONKEY: Little Black Bull: Volume 4: Jill Trinka
partner); join hands and
GAME:
Props:: 3 Chairs 3 stuffed monkeys hop inside circle.
Original bluebird returns
Sitting circle. to circle.
3 Children sit in chairs, each holding a monkey. Partner now becomes
bluebird. Add a 2nd
“Chair children” stand on “rise” and give their monkey to another
bluebird. Both take
student on ‘greet’.
Play until all have a turn. partners.
Repeat with 2 new
“Legs out when you’ve had a turn!” players. Play until all
have turn.

KEEP CALM….
and Explore the Four Voices!

NJCCCS* : 1.1.2.B.1
1.3.2.B.2
1.3.P.A.1-6

http://musicstandards.org/states/new-jersey/

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 This is my This is my
speaking whisper
voice. voice.

This is my This is my
outside singing
voice. voice.

VOCAL EXPLORATION PROPS

Feierabend Charts

GREAT SmartBoard Programs

RESOURCES!

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 KEEP CALM… RHYTHM INSTRUMENTS
and Play Instruments!
“JINGLE BEAR”
RHYTHM INSTRUMENTS Our
instrument
mascot

NJCCCS* : 1.1.2.P.2
Jingle Bear reminds children to:
1.1.2.B.4 Care for instruments
1.3.P.B.2 Play musically
1.3.2.B.3 Follow conductor (teacher)
1.4.P.A.6 Sing while playing (Part 1)
Listen-(no talking)- while playing (Part 2)
http://musicstandards.org/states/new-jersey/

RHYTHM INSTRUMENTS
PART 1 *
SAME INSTRUMENTS

ROUTINE: Each week, a different instrument is introduced.

We follow this exact routine each week:
*Name the instrument and show the correct way to play it.
*Reminders: “Do we hit it on ground?” NO! “Do we touch anyone with it?” NO!
“Do we throw it?” GOODNESS NO! (“What could happen?”…..)
Then reiterate correct way to play.
“Jingle Bear is watching! He loves to see you take good care of our instruments!”
*“As soon as you get your instrument, start to practice, because practice makes perfect!”

*Begin passing instruments around the circle, same direction each week, while singing,
“She’ll be coming around the circle with her jingles,
she'll be coming around the circle with her jingles, etc.;
Oh we’ll all play together when she comes, etc.”
Once every child has an instrument, sit on your spot and say:
*”Instruments in ready position! (on lap) Ready for take-off!” (hold up).
Begin playing when singing medley.
*Part 1- September- November.
YOUTUBE http://youtu.be/ZfLnqfRlbdM

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 RHYTHM INSTRUMENTS
*MEDLEY*
(traditional tunes)
1. “Let’s Shake our Bells Together”
2. “Shake Your Bells ‘til the Music Stops”
3. “Shake, Shake, Shake Your Bells”
4. “Time to Put our Bells Away”
(tune: London Bridge)
(“Time to put our bells away, bells away, bells away,
Time to put our bells away, thanks for helping”)

RHYTHM INSTRUMENTS
PART 2*
Instrument “Play and Pass”
Assorted instrument box

ROUTINE: In the box are at least 20 different rhythm instruments.

During preparation week*,instruments (one per person in room) are named and introduced.
Each following week, one new instrument is introduced.
We follow the exact routine each week as Part 1. (refer to Part 1 Routine.)
Once all have an instruments: “Instruments in ready position; ready for take off.” Start music.
Instruments begin playing when music starts. Every 8 beats or so, call out “Pass.” (pass to left)
After instruments have gone around the circle once, passing stops and instruments are collected .
Play recordings of music with strong beat, of varied genres.

*PREPARATION: WEEK 1 -Lengthy preparation; it will take half of class period.

Introduce/demonstrate each instrument from assorted instrument box. (name/technique/care).
Explain “Pass”. (pass to left upon hearing “Pass”.) “Everyone is quiet so we can hear “Pass” –
and hear the instruments.” Take your time to ensure all understand the direction of passing.
Have each child say the name of child to whom they are passing. Start with one instrument;
Continue to add instruments until all have an instrument. Once all have instruments, begin with
“Instruments in Ready Position!”, etc.
*Part 2- January -June
YOUTUBE: http://youtu.be/KowgH1M2pM4

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 KEEP CALM….
and Have Fun with Music!
RELAXATION ACTIVITY
*Brain Break
*Usually a known song
*Possibly a call and response song or chant
*Often with a recording (for vocal rest)
*Creative Expression
NJCCCS* : 1.2.2.A.1/2
1.3.P.A.1-6
1.3.2.A.1-3
1.3.P.B.1/3/4/5
http://musicstandards.org/states/new-jersey/

RELAXATION ACTIVITY

LEADER (Students)
Aunt Dinah’s gone! (Aunt Dinah’s gone!)
Aunt Dinah’s gone! (Aunt Dinah’s gone!)
Well, how did she go? (Well, how did she go?) Add motions.
Well, how did she go? (Well, how did she go?) Use your voice in
Well, she went like this. (Well, she went like this.) different styles;
And, she went like this. (And, she went like this.) high/low/
(Together) robot/opera/
Well, she lives in the country, excited/silly, etc.
Gonna move to the town.
Gonna shake and shimmy ‘til the sun comes down! (sorce: Linda Swears workshop)
YOUTUBE-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp6RN9aCUnQ

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 RELAXATION ACTIVITIES

“POPCORN TIME”
“GRANDMA MOSES” from MOVE IT by
from Circle ‘Round the Zero
CJ
Extension:
Individual
students
suggest new TOOTY TA
flavor of
candy stick
from Dr. Jean and
(strawberry Friends by Dr. Jean
blueberry
watermelon
etc.)

YOUTUBE LINK: http://youtu.be/4mWB4NaJE4s

KEEP CALM….
and Sing Familiar Songs!

NJCCCS* : 1.3.P.B.1
1.3.P.B.5
1.3.2.B.2

http://musicstandards.org/states/new-jersey/

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 OBJECTIVES:
*Create music class atmosphere of comfort and trust
*Sing familiar songs with confidence and joy
*Decode
*Develop rapport with individuals
*Take turns

PROPS: Tote bag, “secret spinner”, toys/props which represent familiar children’s song.

ACTIVITY: In the Secret Song Bag are clues which represent familiar children’s songs
that the children have most likely learned at home or preschool.
A child is picked by the “Secret Spinner” to have a turn at reaching in the bag. (no
peeking!).
After reaching in the bag, the child holds up the ‘clue’ and the class guesses the song,
then sings the song.
Continue this game weekly, until every child in the class has a turn.
(Keep track of turns in your plan book)
Two children per week have turns.

YOUTUBE -- http://youtu.be/8KIPw6cUv2g

Can you guess the

“Mystery Songs” from the
Secret Song Bag?

“BINGO”
“Grand Old Flag
“Rain, Rain, Go Away
“Wheels on the Bus”
“Old McDonald”
“Hot Cross Buns”
“Mary Had a Little Lamb”
“Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
“Row, Row, Row Your Boat”
“If You’re Happy and You Know it”
“Alphabet Song”
“Eensy Weensy Spider”
“Hickory Dickory Dock”
“Five Little Pumpkins”
Secret “Yankee Doodle”
(*get props from garage sales/Dollar Store/toy box)
Spinner “It’s a Small World”

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 KEEP CALM….
and Sing with Melody!

NJCCCS:
1.1.2.B.1
1.3.2.B.2
1.3.1.A.1-6
http://musicstandards.org/states/new-jersey/

Solo Singing Game:

Student reaches in Melody’s
bag and pulls out a puppet. (no
peeking!)
Class sings 1st 8 measures
together. Melody (teacher)
sings “Yoo Hoo”, student with
puppet echoes back, then
echoes several more patterns.
Class joins in on final 4
measures. Two per week, until
all have turns.

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 KEEP CALM….
Sing and Read!
SINGABLE PICTURE BOOK

NJCCCS: 1.4.P.A.3/4
1.4.P.A.6/7
1.3.P.A.1-6
http://musicstandards.org/states/new-jersey/

(https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com is a great resource!)

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15

 Fonts:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kimberly-Geswein-Fonts
Books and Music:

http://www.cjtime.com/cj-move-it/ http://www.drjean.org/html/cds_f/cds_friends2.html

L.Wichman – “KEEP CALM…And Teach Kindergarten Music” NJMEA 2/19/15