Week of November 3

1st & 2nd Grade Parents:  Don't forget to mark your calendars for the upcoming Informances!  If you are able to join us for this special event, we would love to have you.  If you are unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, have no fear!  Your child will still participate in all of the activities and will not miss out.

Kindergarteners performed a fall song on the Orff instruments this week.  They played the xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels and discovered that the longer the bars, the lower pitched they are.

First graders learned a song called "Deedle, Deedle Dumpling."  They accompanied themselves using Boomwhackers and reviewed the connection between the size of an instrument and the pitch.  If you are able to join us for our Informances, you will see them play and sing this song.  Informance times are as follows:

Monday, 11/17

1:10-1:40 - 1M

1:40-2:10 - 1L

Tuesday, 11/18

1:10-1:40 - 1J

Second graders began learning a folk dance called "Haste to the Wedding."  This is a complicated dance, but they are doing a great job with it so far!  If you are able to join us for our upcoming Informances, you will see them perform this folk dance.  Informance times are as follows:

Thursday, 11/20

10:50-11:20 - 2M

11:20-11:50 - 2P

2:10-2:40 - 2E

Third graders studied Irving Berlin's "Alexander's Ragtime Band" this week.  They also learned about ragtime music and what makes a song a "rag."

Fourth graders were very excited to begin playing their recorders this week.  So far they have learned B, A, and G on their instruments.  They should be practicing these notes at home.  They have received their first song and should begin looking at it at home, as well.  In the beginning, students may practice at home without making any sounds on their instruments by taking off the mouthpieces.  At this point, they are working on developing muscle memory in their fingers, which they can do without making sounds.  Fourth graders also had the special opportunity to visit Ravinia on Thursday to see a fantastic performance!

Fifth graders selected the parts they would like for their concert this week.  They will find out which parts they will have in the near future.  Many students have been working hard at writing the script for their concert during lunch and recess times this week.  Any interested students will be able to come in on Monday and Wednesday during recess to finish writing the speaking parts.

If your child might be interested in learning to play the ukelele, the Highland Park Library now has them available to check out!  See above for more information and a special concert at the library!