Week of January 21

The February and March calendars have been posted under the "Musical Almanac & Calendar" section of the blog.  These calendars can be very helpful in making musical connections with your children.  Keep reading to learn about some of the highlights from your child’s music class during the past week!

Kindergarteners read a book called Engine, Engine, Number Nine and learned a song of the same name.  They focused on the difference between rhythm and steady beat and reviewed quarter notes and quarter rests.  They did a nice job playing the rhythm sticks with "Engine, Engine, Number Nine."

First graders learned about the woodwind instruments and the conductor of the orchestra this week.  They read a book called The Remarkable Farkle McBride, which talked about some of the instruments and how important it is for the conductor to know about all of the instruments.  The students also played a couple of instrument review games.

Second graders learned an Australian song called "John Kanaka" this week.  They discovered that this song is in call and response form.  Students worked in pairs to compose rhythm stick movements on the response section, and they performed do-si-dos on the call section of the song.  They were then video recorded performing their compositions, and they did a self-assessment activity as they watched the recordings of their performances.

Third graders completed listening to their recordings of "Dance for the Nations" this week.  They filled out rubrics to assess their own performances, and Mrs. Crutchfield filled out the same rubric.  Each student had a conference with Mrs. Crutchfield to reflect on the two rubrics and set a singing goal to work toward.  Students also explored the composer section of the website, Sphinx Kids, found under the "Fun Music Websites" section of the blog.  This was in preparation for the unit beginning next week.

Fourth graders completed recorder testing in class.  Students who would like to continue testing for belts may sign up for times to come in and test at recess.  Many students have taken advantage of this opportunity every day so far.  There are ten time slots available each day.  Students are encouraged to check in on days they do not have music to see if new days have been made available if they are interested in signing up.

Fifth graders learned their second song for their Spring Sing this week.  Three of the four fifth grade classes only had one music class this week due to the holiday on Monday.  So far all four classes have learned the singing and movement for their first song and the singing for the second song.  Students may always access the lyric sheets under the "Spring Sing Music" section of this blog if they have lost their copies.  They have been given the password.

Music Activity of the Week

Create a musical scavenger hunt.  Have your family find the hidden clues throughout your home.  Make the last clue some kind of musical "instrument," even if it is a pot or pan!  Whoever finds the last clue has to perform a solo for the family.