TEACHING THE MUSICAL ALPHABET

ABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFG
GFEDCBAGFEDCBAGFEDCBA

The musical alphabet is comprised of the first 7 letters of the alphabet: A B C D E F G.  Every note on the staff, every note that a musician plays is either an A, B, C, D, E, F or G.  Whether you know how to read music or not, you can teach your preschoolers the musical alphabet.  This exercise is beneficial for a budding musician but can also be used to help with reading skills and letter recognition.

Before you begin this activity, you will need to make some Musical Alphabet Cards by writing one letter of the musical alphabet on an index card. Make one set of Musical Alphabet Cards for each child. You may want to laminate the cards.

What to do:

1.  Have the children say the musical alphabet with you:  A B C D E F G.

2.  Say the musical alphabet while you place the cards on the floor in front of you.  If you have children younger than 4 years old, say the alphabet slowly and give them time to recognize the shape of the letter.  One at a time, let the young children trace the shape of the letter with their finger.

3.  Hand out the Musical Alphabet Cards to the children and let them place the cards in the correct order from A to G.

4.  Make a train!  Four and Five year olds can form teams of 5 or 6 and make a train out of their cards.  So, you would have A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A...

5.  Pass out one card to each child and see if the class can cooperate together and make a Musical Alphabet Train.

6.  Learn the Musical Alphabet BACKWARDS!  Do all the same activities mentioned above only start with G and go down the alphabet to A.

7.  Once the children have gotten the hang of going forward and backward with the Musical Alphabet, do all of these activities starting with a random letter.  For ex:  Pick up a D Card and build the Musical Alphabet going forward (D E F G A B C) and backward (D C B A G F E).

Have fun with these activities!  Preschoolers love using the Musical Alphabet Cards and I bet that once you start, you will have fun with it too!

My Top 10 Requested Songs

I never know which songs are going to be a hit with my students. But, I know I have hit upon a winner when the children ask me if we are going to sing a particular song today or when the classroom teachers tell me that the children have been walking around all week singing a song.  So, here is a list of my 10 most requested songs:

10.  Humpty Dumpty by Old Town School of Folk Music


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XFEMOM/ref=dm_dp_trk35?ie=UTF8&qid=1330104645&sr=301-2

9.  Baby Elephant Walk by Henry Mancini



http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Elephant-Walk/dp/B00137QR9M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1330104780&sr=1-1

8.  Symphony No. 94 (Surprise Symphony) by Franz Joseph Haydn



http://www.amazon.com/Symphony-No-94-Major-Surprise/dp/B001E556BS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1330104843&sr=1-3

7.  Any Turkey Can Tango by Silly Sally



http://www.amazon.com/Any-Turkey-Can-Tango/dp/B001OHKYUY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1330105073&sr=1-1

6.  The Dinosaur Stomp by Jack Hartmann




http://www.jackhartmann.com/follow-a-dream-cd/


5.  Five Big Dinosaurs by Jack Hartmann




http://www.jackhartmann.com/follow-a-dream-cd/


4.  Going to Kentucky by Sue Schnitzer



http://www.amazon.com/Going-to-Kentucky/dp/B0012PA8S6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1330105318&sr=1-1-fkmr0

3.  Going to the Zoo  





http://www.amazon.com/Going-To-The-Zoo/dp/B002HMNBQO/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1330105516&sr=1-1-fkmr2


2.  Animal Action by Tumble Tots



http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Action/dp/B002INQBNC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1330105637&sr=1-1

and the number one most request song is....

Kittens and Mittens by Mother Goose Time!!!!



http://www.amazon.com/Kittens-and-Mittens/dp/B004BNE4B8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1330105703&sr=1-1

Improvisation, Part 2

Last month I said that I would report back to you how my attempt with improvisation went.  I used the following poem by Susan Tarnowski that I found in the Wendy Sims book Strategies for Teaching Prekindergarten Music:

I like to hop, I like to hop
My father says, "Oh please don't hop!"
But all I can do is hop all day-
Hop, hop, hop

I like to wiggle, I like to wiggle
My mother says, "Oh please don't wiggle!"
But all I can do is wiggle all day-
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle

I like to twist, I like to twist
My brother says, "Oh please don't twist!"
But all I can do is twist all day-
Twist, twist, twist

I like to wave, I like to wave
My sister says, "Oh please don't wave!"
But all I can do is wave all day-
Wave, wave, wave

I like to smile, I like to smile
Everyone says, "Oh please don't smile!"
But all I can do is smile all day-
Smile, smile, smile                                 
                 -by Susan Tarnowski

I tried this out in a couple of my toddler/early 3's classes - children who are mature enough to be able to demonstrate the movements mentioned in the poem, but are still young enough not to have developed inhibitions or self-conscientiousness.  

This was not one of my more successful activities.  The rhyme itself is not rhythmic enough to be appealing.  Additionally, the action words/improvisational cues of the rhyme are so common that the children did not have to use any creativity to come up with a movement.  After one time through the rhyme the children were bored and clearly ready to move on to another activity. 

Perhaps if I had set the rhyme to music, I could've held the children's attention for a few more minutes.  I think the idea of this activity is good, I just need to find a way to add more teachable moments with it.

A few days ago, I posted about using Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush in a preschool music class.  I have been using this song in my classes this week with a much better response.  The same improvisational ideas are implemented in Mulberry Bush as they are in I Like to Hop and I've had much more success with it.  I have catered the improvisation to meet the needs of the different ages I teach.  In the toddler classes, I have had the children simply turn around during the refrain and then imitate my movements for the verses.  With 4's and 5's, I have shown pictures of different activities (brushing teeth, combing hair, etc) and then had 2 or 3 children demonstrate how to do that activity. The entire class walks slowly in a circle, holding hands, during the refrain.  The pictures have been a good tool because they prompted discussion about hygiene and even provided an opportunity for a brief history lesson about washing clothes!  I also think that having Mulberry Bush as a familiar song contributed to the success of this activity.  Preschoolers will always choose singing as preferable to chanting!  

Improvisation is a difficult concept to teach because it requires a bit of abstract thinking, a lot of imagination and the willingness to be vulnerable; Preschoolers are just beginning to develop these traits.  I do believe that we need to help develop these skills in these little ones.  Abstract thinking, imagination and vulnerability are all characteristics that are evident in creative, successful people, and that is what we want our children to become: creative, successful people.

Clap the Words

Sometimes I come across an idea and think, "That is so obviously simple!  Why didn't I think of that?".  I've had just such a moment today.  I was online, trying to find some new music to incorporate into my classes, when I heard the song Clap the Words from the CD  Ultimate 100 Learning Songs by Juice Music.  The chorus of this song says


" Sing the words and clap along.  Clap the words of your favorite song". 


You can take this idea and use it with any song your children are familiar with:  Twinkle, Twinkle, London Bridge, Baa, Baa Black Sheep, Hickory Dickory Dock, etc.  As you are singing the song, have children clap  each word of the song.  You can expand the idea by replacing the clapping with tapping the floor with a rhythm stick. Once the children can sing and clap/tap at the same, challenge older preschoolers by having them only clap/tap the words of the song - no singing allowed!


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HRCHAW/ref=dm_dp_trk85?ie=UTF8&qid=1329842575&sr=1-2

Preschool Classroom Mangement

I love working with preschoolers.  When I first started thinking about teaching music to preschoolers, I will admit that I didn't think I could do it.  I was sure that I didn't have the patience to work with them! But three years later, I have honed my craft and developed a routine that works well.

Lately, however, I have found myself becoming more easily frustrated with my little charges.  Not with all of my classes - but a couple of them have been real challenges for me!  I have been reading books and articles on preschool classroom management techniques and have been watching and listening to other teachers for inspiration, but I still seem to be coming up short.  Part of my dilemma is that, as a specialty teacher, I don't have much to hold over the little rugrats.  I don't have the authority to take away privileges and it's really not fair to the other teachers to tell the child "Behave or I will send you back to class".  Now, I don't have children running around the room during class, but the noise level can sometimes get quite high.  And because I am only with the children one day a week, I feel the pressure of keeping them engaged for the entire class.

I get most frustrated with the open defiance of some children.  After 3 years of doing this, I am still shocked when a 4 year old looks me in the eye and tells me "No" or when one will look at me with a mischievous grin and keep doing what I've asked them not to do.  I also have a couple of classes that seemed to be filled with defiant kids and when you have 15 or 20 (or more) kids that are all acting out, you know it's going to be a rough day!

Some of the techniques I use to control a class are:

1.  "Clap one time if you can hear me.  Clap two times if you can hear me.  Place your hands in your lap if you can hear me".
2. In a whispered voice, I'll say,  "As soon as it's quiet in here we will move on the next activity.  I'll just wait..."
3.   Giving stickers to children who are doing what I ask.
4.  Naming a Star Student at the end of each class.
5.  Time outs.

I realize that Music Class is a special activity and can make some children overly excited.  I also know that I can't allow the children to have control of the class.  Every article or book that I've read on this topic is written for the "homeroom teacher".   Ideas like sticker charts are unpractical for me because I teach18 classes in 4 different schools and I'm only with each class 20 - 30 minutes one day a week; a chart would be ineffective.  I do have a predictable routine in my classes:  Each class begins with the Hello Song, followed by the Rhythm Song and a rhythmic dictation game.  All of these activities combined take apx 5 minutes to perform.  I then move into a song or two (3-4 mins) and then the lesson proper (15 mins) followed by another song (2-3 mins) to end the class.

I will keep trying to hone my classroom management skills.  I want to discipline from a place of love, not of frustration. Our children need us to help them develop the self-discipline and social skills necessary for success in life.  And no matter how frustrated I may get, I do love my preschoolers and I love my job!  

Wobbly Walk

The Wobbly Walk  is a silly kind of walk...and is a dance you can perform a couple of ways.

1.  Choreograph a silly dance and let the kids imitate your moves. This option is recommended for children who are 2-3 years old.
2.  Make a circle and let the children show off their silly dance moves one at a time in the center of the circle.  This option is recommended for older 3's - 5 year olds.


http://www.amazon.com/Wobbly-Walk-Language-Movement-Rhythm/dp/B005HRCGBC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1329503549&sr=1-2

Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush

Everyone is family with the children's song Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.  This song provides a great opportunity for children to dance together and to explore their creativity.  I would recommend that you sing this song a capella as you go through this activity.

Start off by having the children make a circle.  On Verse 1 the children hold hands and walk in a circle to the right as they sing Here we go round the mulberry bush...so early in the morning.


The rest of the verses depict some kind of action:

This is the way we wash our clothes, comb our hair, brush our teeth, etc.  Enlist the children to help you create movements to go with each verse.  As the children sing and perform their activities have them simply stand in place.   After every two action verses I would have the children walk in their circle.

So, this is how it would all look:

1.  Here we go round the mulberry bush (circle walk)
2.  This is the way we wash our clothes (pretend to wash clothes)
3.  This is the way we comb our hair (pretend to comb hair)
4.  Here we go round the mulberry bush (circle walk)
5.  This is the way we brush our teeth (pretend to brush teeth)
6.  This is the way we put on clothes (pretend to get dressed)
7.  Here we go round the mulberry bush (circle walk)

Depending on the age of your students, you can make this activity as long or as short as you like.  If the children seem to enjoy it, let them help you make up new activities:  this is the way we drink our milk, read a book, play jump rope, pet the dog, etc.  This activity really is endless!

Activities like this help to stimulate a child's creativity, overcome self-conscientiousness, learn to use their singing voice and promotes group cooperation.

Songs for Valentine's Day

Sung to the tune of London Bridge:


You're a special friend of mine, 
Friend of mine, friend of mine
You're a special friend of mine
Please be my valentine
(This rhyme was found at www.rhymes.yakaberry.com.  I added the tune suggestion.)


Sung to the Tune of Love Me Tender:


You're my rainbow, you're my star, you're my bright red cookie jar
You're my goldfish, you're my pie, you're the apple of my eye
You're my daisy, you're my vine, you're my own true Valentine
(this song was found at www.perpetualpreschool.com)


Let Me Call You Sweetheart
 http://www.amazon.com/Let-Me-Call-You-Sweetheart/dp/B0034MTCNC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1329156800&sr=1-2

Skinamarink 
http://www.amazon.com/Skinnamarink/dp/B000UR1XIG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1329157435&sr=1-1

All You Need is Love
http://www.amazon.com/All-You-Need-Is-Love/dp/B000VKD1Q4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1329157554&sr=1-1


It's Love and I Love You (No Matter What) from Jack Hartmann's CD "Learning to Love"
http://www.jackhartmann.com/learning-to-love-mp3/

Apples and Bananas!!

I remember being at summer camp, sitting around the campfire and singing the nonsensical song, "Apples and Bananas".  It's a fun, silly song that children love.  As a preschool teacher or parent of a preschooler, you can use this song to teach vowel sounds. Each repetition of the song replaces all the usual vowel sounds with one single vowel sound. So, instead of singing I like to eat, eat apples and bananas, the words becomes A lake tay ate ate aaples and banaynays or U luke two ute ute upples and bununus...The kids will have a fun, silly time and you will be teaching a valuable skill - what else can you expect from music time?

P.S.  I've included a rendition of "Apples and Bananas" in the Music Recommendation box on my homepage.  

Songs For Teaching

Looking for songs to incorporate into your lesson plans or to sing along with a home can be a time consuming endeavor.  There is a lot of music out there that is targeted at the preschool market - but not all of it is quality music or in a range that is appropriate for the young singer's voice.  The internet has made finding great music much easier.  No longer do you have to decide on whether or not to purchase a CD based upon what you read on the back of the CD cover.  Nor do you have to worry that once you get the CD home you will discover that the CD is not at all what you were looking for.  With the internet you can often preview songs before purchasing.  Occasionally, once you have downloaded a song you realize that you have bought a dud, but, at least for me, this doesn't happen very often.  And best of all, you can pick and choose which songs from a CD you want to purchase.

I spend a lot of time on music download sites listening to excerpts of music.  One site I visit on a regular basis is  Songs for Teaching (www.songsforteaching.com).  This website is a wonderful resource for teachers and parents of preschoolers.  The site lets you search for music by subject (Math, Science, Holidays, Life Skills, etc) or by artist:  Geof Johnson, Ella Jenkins, The Uncle Brothers, Ken Whiteley, Jack Hartmann and many others are featured.  (For those of you who are Jack Hartmann fans, Songs for Teaching is the only place I have found that lets you listen to excerpts of some of his songs before you purchase.) There is also a great selection of sheet music, music books and musical plays available.

My only complaint with this website is that you are not allowed to purchase individual songs.  If you find a song you want to buy, you must purchase the entire CD.  But with that one, small complaint, it is definitely worth your time and effort to visit this website.  So the next time you are working on lesson plans, visit Songs for Teaching and incorporate one or two songs into your plans - Happy Singing!!

Visit Songs for Teaching at www.songsforteaching.com

Music Theory Resources

This fall I began offering Music Theory and Performance Classes for my piano students.  I wanted to be able to delve into some of the more technical aspects of music in a more concentrated manner and allow my students to develop friendships and camaraderie among themselves, and a class situation seemed like the perfect solution.

I have scoured through the internet the last few months to find websites that offered downloadable theory and music history workshops for free or low cost and have found a few that I really like.  All of these sites offer their resources for FREE!!

1.  Making Music Fun:  http://www.makingmusicfun.net/   Here you will find theory and composer worksheets, manuscript paper, practice charts, award certificates, music that you can use for sight reading practice and resources for the classroom teacher as well as the home school teacher.

2.  G Major Music Theory:  http://www.gmajormusictheory.org/Fundamentals/workbooks.html   This is a very no-nonsense website that provides theory sheets for note reading (treble and bass clef), intervals, scales, chords, key signatures, the circle of 5ths and virtual flashcards.

3.  Ricci Adams' Music Theory:  http://www.musictheory.net/   If you are looking for an on-line ear training program, visit this website.  The site includes a Lesson Page, Exercises Page and a Tools Page.  I would recommend that you teach the concept yourself and then direct the student to the Exercises Page where you can customize each exercise.  The customization is fabulous!  If, for example, you have a beginning student who is only comfortable playing in C Position, you can customize the exercises to only quiz on the notes in C Position.  Conversely, you can make the exercises more advanced by including ledger lines in the test parameters.  I love the fact the students can be quizzed in not only the Treble and Bass Clef, but cello and viola teachers, take note, you can also be quizzed in the Tenor or Alto Clefs!!  The Tools Page of this site includes an online metronome, printable staff paper and a pop-up piano.

Book Review: The Great Children's Songbook Edited by David Eddleman

I recently picked up a copy of David Eddleman's book, The Great Children's Songbook, at my local library.  This collection of children's songs, games and activities contains 100 songs and correlating games or activities for nearly every one.  Although this is not a comprehensive collection of children's songs, it is a wonderfully diverse collection.  There are traditional nursery rhyme songs, such as Little Bo-Peep, Old King Cole and Humpty Dumpty, familiar story-telling songs, like Frog He Would A-Courtin' Go and Streets of Laredo, American patriotic songs including America and Yankee Doodle, nine traditional Mexican/Hispanic songs and many others.

The book is very well organized with an index in the back that lists each song by categories:  Greeting Songs, Letters and Numbers, Marching Songs, Weather, etc.  Cindy Fusaro and Dan Fox have written simple musical arrangements of each song.  The arrangements are simple enough for a novice pianist to play, yet still maintain some musical interest.  The arrangements are easily adaptable to any treble instrument such as the violin, guitar or recorder.  The songbook does not contain a CD recording of the songs, so if you are not familiar with the songs, or are uncomfortable with your own singing voice, simply download a copy of the song.  There are plenty of versions to choose from for each song - Amazon has a great selection of children's music; you're sure to find a recording you like there!

The games and activities have been very well thought out and give concise instructions on how to implement each one.  Each activity is appropriate for a variety of ages, from 3-8 years old; not all activities are good for all ages, so you must read through and find the activities that are best for the age you are teaching.  (It would've been nice for the editor to index the activities by appropriate age levels.)  Many of the songs have correlating activities with playing a recorder, an instrument that is often introduced to children in grades 1-3.  Two of my favorite preschool activities are Camptown Races and Michael Row the Boat Ashore.


The Great Children's Songbook is a nice addition to any early childhood educator's library.  Classroom teachers and music specialists alike will find inspiration and a wealth of musical activities in this book - enough to keep those preschoolers singing and dancing all year!


The Great Children's Songbook
Edited by David Eddleman
Games and Activities by David Eddleman
Music Arranged by Cindy Fusaro and Dan Fox
Illustrations by Andrew J. Dowty
Published by Carl Fischer
c. 1998



http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_29?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+great+children%27s+songbook+fischer&sprefix=the+great+children%27s+songbook%2Cstripbooks%2C304