Pumpkins, Xylophones and Remembrance Music

Kindergarten students have continued to explore both the steady beat and the rhythm of text using their bodies and playing instruments.  This week, students were introduced to a new instrument called the “spoons”, which look like two wooden spoons glued together! So far, our collection of known percussion includes spoons, jingle taps, drums, rhythm sticks, maracas and shaker eggs. Now students have everything they need to begin retelling stories and poems with instruments!  

Grade One students learned a pumpkin song this week and took turns playing the steady beat on the xylophones to accompany the class’ singing. After each verse, the instrumentalists played a spooky “roll” while their peers swirled into a variety of surprising Jack-o-lantern poses. It was such a fun way to celebrate each individual’s unique idea and to learn from each other!. Students also completed their Hello Everybody project; singing, moving and trading partners over and over until they each finally moved all the way around the circle to find their original partner again. It was great to see the joy on the students’ faces when they discovered that they had come home to their first special friend!  

Grade Two students took some time to explore their new melodic note “do” through movement, written music, singing and playing instruments. After some peer feedback and practice, most classes began the formal process of composing melodies with this new pitch.  Once a partnership had their music written down, they played it for some friends who listened closely and transcribed it onto their own paper. Once everyone agreed on the notes, the four friends celebrated by singing the melody with Curwin hand signs. It’s si interesting to watch students slowly begin to develop their own opinions about which combinations of notes sounds the best!

So                               Mi                              Do

Grade Three students have been putting the finishing touches on the song they will be singing for our Remembrance Assembly on November 7^th.  Each class has learned two songs, Peaceful River and I’ve Got Peace Like a River.  The music and movement for each piece is beautiful on its own, but near the end of the performance students will sing both songs at the same time, fitting them together like a musical puzzle.  I’ve been so proud of how seriously our students have been taking this important work, each one doing their best to show respect and gratitude to those who serve in our Armed Forces.