Kindergarten students began the
month by retelling the story of the Gingerbread Man, using their voices,
instruments and movement to bring new life to this old tale. They also sang the story of Mr. Clickety
Cane, who transforms everyday grooming into a ridiculous game! Finally, students became papers and pencils
through the poem “Criss Cross”. Ask your
child to draw it on your back – you’ll be amazed by how clearly little fingers
can communicate!
Grade One students reinforced
their ability to play the rhythm of text with our Animal Rhythm Project. Each group composed a four-beat rhythmic phrase using the names of animals.
Then they played their rhythm of their text between a sung chorus. Some
classes even had the chance to act out their animals for their friends! The students
also began to learn how to speak like a musician, using professional
terminology to describe the speed and volume of the music. They also shared how the music made them feel
and were surprised to discovered that each listener had their own unique response.
Grade Three students were honored
with the responsibility of preparing and performing a piece of music for our
Remembrance Assembly this month. They
sang “A Song of Peace” by C. Cassils which celebrates the strength of our
diverse community and our commitment to peace in our world. I was very proud of the seriousness and
diligence with which they embraced their work.
It was a beautiful and powerful performance. On the lighter side, students deepened their
understanding of melodic notation and xylophone accompaniments with our Candy
Store Project. First, groups of students composed and sang their own melodies about their
favorite sugary treats. Then they gathered everyone’s musical confection
into a giant Candy Store, singing and playing a chorus between each groups’
performance. Delicious!
