Superplan Lesson Two

  • Coming In Classical: Beethoven – 5th Symphony, 1st movement

    Beethoven – 5th Symphony, 1st movement

    Activity Instructions:

    Play as children are entering.

    Historical information:

    The Symphony No. 5 in C minor of Ludwig van Beethoven, Op. 67, was written between 1804–1808. It is one of the best-known compositions in classical music, and one of the most frequently played symphonies. First performed in Vienna’s Theater an der Wien in 1808, the work achieved its prodigious reputation soon afterward. E. T. A. Hoffmann described the symphony as “one of the most important works of the time”. The symphony consists of four movements. The first movement is Allegro con brio; the second movement is Andante con moto; the third movement is a Scherzo Allegro; the fourth movement is Allegro.

    It begins by stating a distinctive four-note “short-short-short-long” motif twice

    {clef treble key c minor time 2/4 {r8 g'8[ g'8 g'8] | ees'2fermata | r8 f'8[ f'8 f'8] | d'2~ | d'2fermata | } }

    The symphony, and the four-note opening motif in particular, are known worldwide, with the motif appearing frequently in popular culture, from disco versions to rock and roll covers, to uses in film and television.

    Since the Second World War it has sometimes been referred to as the “Victory Symphony.” “V” is the Roman character for the number five; the phrase “V for Victory” became well known as a campaign of the Allies of World War II. That Beethoven’s Victory Symphony happened to be his Fifth (or vice versa) is coincidence. Some thirty years after this piece was written, the rhythm of the opening phrase – “dit-dit-dit-dah” – was used for the letter “V” in Morse code, though this is probably also coincidental.

    The BBC, during World War Two, prefaced its broadcasts to Europe with those four notes, played on drums.

    (from Wikipedia)


  • Hello Song: Baby Rock Hello

    Baby Rock Hello

    Activity Instructions:

    Call children to circle. Start rhythm on Keyboard, and use each child’s name in the song.

    Lyrics:

    I’m gonna rock rock rock with with my baby
    Rock, rock rock with my baby
    Rock, rock rock with my baby
    in Rockin’ Rhythms music class

    Let’s all rock with [Name Here]
    Let’s all rock with [Name Here or “together”]
    Let’s all rock with [Name Here or “and have fun”]
    in Rockin’ Rhythms music class

  • Song w/Instrument: I Am Shaking My Egg Shaker

    I Am Shaking My Egg Shaker

    Activity Instructions:

    Explore different things you can do with egg shaker. Then introduce the song.

    Lyrics:

    I am shaking my egg shaker then I stop
    I am shaking my egg shaker then I stop
    I am shaking my egg shaker
    I am shaking my egg shaker
    I am shaking my egg shaker then I stop

    v2 I am passing it back and forth
    v3 I am passing to a friend
    v4 I am shaking my egg shaker then it hides

  • Lapride: Elephant Ride

    Elephant Ride

    Activity Instructions:

    Have children sit on parents laps, and follow directions in the song!

    Lyrics:

    Riding on my elephant, swaying side to side
    Riding on my elephant, on this jungle ride
    Riding on my elephant, feel this jungle breeze
    Riding on my elephant, through the jungle trees

    Riding on my elephant, bumping up and down
    Riding on my elephant, bumping all around
    Riding on my elephant, feel the jungle breeze
    Riding on my elephant, through the jungle trees

    Riding on my elephant, bouncing all around
    Riding on my elephant, hear the jungle sounds
    Riding on my elephant, feel the jungle breeze
    Riding on my elephant, through the jungle trees

  • Song w/Instrument: Shake My Rainstick

    Shake My Rainstick

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out rainsticks. Explore shaking, tapping, turning over, rolling, and hiding behind back. Then sing song several times and follow motions in song.

    Lyrics:

    Shake my Rainstick
    Shake my rainstick in the sky
    Turn it over, watch the balls fall
    I can make it rain inside

    Tap my rainstick
    Tap my rainstick
    Tap my rainstick on the floor
    Turn it over watch the balls fall
    Shake it like I did before

    Roll my rainstick
    Roll my rainstick
    Roll my rainstick side to side
    Stand it up tall and then tap it
    Hold it still, and make it hide

  • Peek-a-boo w/scarves: I am hiding, You can’t see me

    I am hiding, You can’t see me

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out scarves, and play peek-a-boo, having parents or you pull the scarves away, and say boo!
    Then sing song with scarves. Take the time to interact with each child and sing to them, if class size allows.

    Lyrics:

    I am hiding, You can’t see me
    When I make a silly face [make silly face]
    I am hiding you can’t see me
    Till I pull my scarf away, boo! [pull scarf away on “boo”]

    I am playing peek a boo
    Playing peek a boo with (you” OR child’s name )
    I am playing peek a boo
    Playing peek a boo, boo! [pull scarf away on second “boo”]

  • Signing Song: Change

    Change


    Activity Instructions:

    Show parents the sign for change. Then introduce the song. Sing several times.

    Lyrics:

    When I need you to change my diaper
    I will show you with my hands
    Take both hands, put them in a fist
    Put my fists together and switch, switch, switch

  • Song w/Ball: Roll to Beethoven’s 5th

    Roll to Beethoven’s 5th

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out balls and explore tapping, bouncing, and rolling the balls. Ask the children if they remember the song during the Coming in time. (Beethoven’s 5th). Then tell them that we have a special ball song with the motif from the symphony. Repeat once or twice.

    Lyrics:

    V1. I tap my ball
    V2. I bounce my ball
    V3. I roll my ball
    (repeat all)

  • World Music Dance: Japan – One More Time – Twice

    Japan – One More Time – Twice

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out scarves, and have children bounce, dance, etc. Use different moves in different parts of the song.
    This song is by a female group from Japan and is J-Pop, Japanese Pop.

  • Musical Exploration: Musical Exploration

    Musical Exploration

    Activity Instructions:

    Dump a variety bucket of instruments out for children to play and try different instruments. Teacher’s choice on background music, make sure that the song lyrics are clean and the topic is child-appropriate. You may want to find out some of your participants favorite popular songs and include them here!

  • Song Time
    Sing through favorite songs of children. You may choose to introduce the english only to the solfege song from other levels.
  • Puppet: Ladybug and Bee

    Ladybug and Bee

    Activity Instructions:

    Use ladybug and bee puppets to sing song.

    Lyrics:

    VERSE 1
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    Enjoying the sunny weather
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    having some fun together
    Ladybug: “Did you know that I’m a beetle,
    my real wings hide?
    My hard shell protects
    the wings folded inside!”
    Ladybug and bee were sitting in a tree
    learning about each other

    VERSE2
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    Enjoying the sunny weather
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    having some fun together
    Bee: “Did you know I’m an insect?
    I also have wings?
    Gather pollen from the flowers
    Be careful I sting”
    Ladybug and bee were sitting in a tree
    Learning about each other
    Ladybug and bee were sitting in a tree
    Learning about each other

  • Lullaby: Your Song – Elton John

    Your Song – Elton John

    Activity Instructions:

    Dump out maracas or another quiet instrument. Allow children to rock gently in parents laps while sitting, or standing and swaying, or to play instrument. A calming moment to bring down the energy at the end of class.

  • Goodbye Song: Goodbye Song

    Goodbye Song

    Activity Instructions:

    Start rhythm on keyboard. Then sing song, putting each child’s name in the song. Adjust the ending based on the number of children you have – feel free to repeat or not, and add goodbyes to mommies, daddies, instruments, etc, if needed to finish the musical phrasing, depending upon the size of your class.

    Lyrics:

    Goodbye, Cya later, adios my friends
    Our time in Rockin’ Rhythms class has come to an end
    au revoir, auf wiedersehen, bon voyage, chiao
    Until we meet again my friends, I’ll say goodbye for now

    |: Goodbye [Name goes here]
        Goodbye [Name here]
        Goodbye [Name goes here]
        Goodbye [Name here]
        Goodbye [Name goes here]
        Goodbye [Name here]
        We’ll rock again next time :|

  • Coming In Classical: Beethoven – 5th Symphony, 1st movement

    Beethoven – 5th Symphony, 1st movement

    Activity Instructions:

    Play as children are entering.

    Historical information:

    The Symphony No. 5 in C minor of Ludwig van Beethoven, Op. 67, was written between 1804–1808. It is one of the best-known compositions in classical music, and one of the most frequently played symphonies. First performed in Vienna’s Theater an der Wien in 1808, the work achieved its prodigious reputation soon afterward. E. T. A. Hoffmann described the symphony as “one of the most important works of the time”. The symphony consists of four movements. The first movement is Allegro con brio; the second movement is Andante con moto; the third movement is a Scherzo Allegro; the fourth movement is Allegro.

    It begins by stating a distinctive four-note “short-short-short-long” motif twice

    {clef treble key c minor time 2/4 {r8 g'8[ g'8 g'8] | ees'2fermata | r8 f'8[ f'8 f'8] | d'2~ | d'2fermata | } }

    The symphony, and the four-note opening motif in particular, are known worldwide, with the motif appearing frequently in popular culture, from disco versions to rock and roll covers, to uses in film and television.

    Since the Second World War it has sometimes been referred to as the “Victory Symphony.” “V” is the Roman character for the number five; the phrase “V for Victory” became well known as a campaign of the Allies of World War II. That Beethoven’s Victory Symphony happened to be his Fifth (or vice versa) is coincidence. Some thirty years after this piece was written, the rhythm of the opening phrase – “dit-dit-dit-dah” – was used for the letter “V” in Morse code, though this is probably also coincidental.

    The BBC, during World War Two, prefaced its broadcasts to Europe with those four notes, played on drums.

    (from Wikipedia)


  • Hello Song: Tot Rock Hello

    Tot Rock Hello

    Activity Instructions:

    Call children to circle. Start rhythm on Keyboard, and use each child’s name in the song.

    Lyrics:

    I’m gonna rock rock rock with with my Tots
    Rock, rock rock with my Tots
    Rock, rock rock with my Tots
    in Rockin’ Rhythms music class

    Let’s all rock with [Name Here]
    Let’s all rock with [Name Here or “together”]
    Let’s all rock with [Name Here or “and have fun”]
    in Rockin’ Rhythms music class

  • Song w/Instrument: I Am Shaking My Egg Shaker

    I Am Shaking My Egg Shaker

    Activity Instructions:

    Explore different things you can do with egg shaker. Then introduce the song.

    Lyrics:

    I am shaking my egg shaker then I stop
    I am shaking my egg shaker then I stop
    I am shaking my egg shaker
    I am shaking my egg shaker
    I am shaking my egg shaker then I stop

    v2 I am passing it back and forth
    v3 I am passing to a friend
    v4 I am shaking my egg shaker then it hides

  • Lapride: Elephant Ride

    Elephant Ride

    Activity Instructions:

    Have children sit on parents laps, and follow directions in the song!

    Lyrics:

    Riding on my elephant, swaying side to side
    Riding on my elephant, on this jungle ride
    Riding on my elephant, feel this jungle breeze
    Riding on my elephant, through the jungle trees

    Riding on my elephant, bumping up and down
    Riding on my elephant, bumping all around
    Riding on my elephant, feel the jungle breeze
    Riding on my elephant, through the jungle trees

    Riding on my elephant, bouncing all around
    Riding on my elephant, hear the jungle sounds
    Riding on my elephant, feel the jungle breeze
    Riding on my elephant, through the jungle trees

  • Color or Shape Song: 3D Shapes – Cone, Cube, Cylinder, Sphere

    3D Shapes – Cone, Cube, Cylinder, Sphere

    Activity Instructions:

    Make sure to gather items of the three 3D shapes before class.
    Suggestions: A traffic cone for the cone, a square tissue box for the cube, a ball for the sphere and a coffee can or tea can for the cylinder. 

    Put the shapes in four spots around the room, review what each of them are. Then sing the song, and have the children run to the objects as you sing the song.

    Lyrics:

    123, in 3D, looking for a shape
    123, in 3D, looking for a shape 
    123, in 3D, looking for a shape 
    I am looking for a [Cone, Cube, Cylinder, Sphere]
    looking for a shape

  • Song w/Instrument: Shake My Rainstick

    Shake My Rainstick

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out rainsticks. Explore shaking, tapping, turning over, rolling, and hiding behind back. Then sing song several times and follow motions in song.

    Lyrics:

    Shake my Rainstick
    Shake my rainstick in the sky
    Turn it over, watch the balls fall
    I can make it rain inside

    Tap my rainstick
    Tap my rainstick
    Tap my rainstick on the floor
    Turn it over watch the balls fall
    Shake it like I did before

    Roll my rainstick
    Roll my rainstick
    Roll my rainstick side to side
    Stand it up tall and then tap it
    Hold it still, and make it hide

  • Body Awareness: Touch my toes and stand up

    Touch my toes and stand up

    Activity Instructions:

    Introduce motions in song. Then use track for complete song 2-3 times.

    Lyrics:

    Walk and walk and walk and stop x3
    Touch my toes and stand up

    Clap and clap and clap and stop x3
    touch my toes and stand up

    Spin and spin and spin and stop x3
    Touch my toes and stand up

    Tap and tap and tap and stop x3
    Touch my toes and stand up

    Run and run and run and stop x3
    Touch my toes and stand 

  • Solfege Song: Mary had a Little Lamb

    Mary had a Little Lamb

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out echo microphones. Have children explore speaking in the top of them. Then ask for some of the classes favorite songs and sing them.
    Have the children echo solfege syllables, Do-Sol ascending and descending one syllable at a time.

    Teach the song by singing the syllables a little bit at a time and have children echo back. Then sing the song with regular lyrics.

    Lyrics:

    Mi Re Do Re Mi Mi Mi,
    Re Re Re, Mi Sol Sol
    Mi Re Do Re Mi Mi Mi  
    Mi Re Re Mi Re Do

    Mary had a little lamb,
    little lamb, little lamb
    Mary had a little lamb
    Whose fleece was white as snow

  • Song w/Ball: Roll to Beethoven’s 5th

    Roll to Beethoven’s 5th

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out balls and explore tapping, bouncing, and rolling the balls. Ask the children if they remember the song during the Coming in time. (Beethoven’s 5th). Then tell them that we have a special ball song with the motif from the symphony. Repeat once or twice.

    Lyrics:

    V1. I tap my ball
    V2. I bounce my ball
    V3. I roll my ball
    (repeat all)

  • World Music Dance: Japan – One More Time – Twice

    Japan – One More Time – Twice

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out scarves, and have children bounce, dance, etc. Use different moves in different parts of the song.
    This song is by a female group from Japan and is J-Pop, Japanese Pop.

  • Musical Exploration: Musical Exploration

    Musical Exploration

    Activity Instructions:

    Dump a variety bucket of instruments out for children to play and try different instruments. Teacher’s choice on background music, make sure that the song lyrics are clean and the topic is child-appropriate. You may want to find out some of your participants favorite popular songs and include them here!

  • Musical Game: Cutoff & Conduct

    Cutoff & Conduct

    Activity Instructions:

    This is a variation on redlight greenlight. The teacher will stand on the opposite side of the room from the students. The students should walk to you while you are conducting and singing any children’s song of your choice, and then stop when you indicate a cutoff, by freezing with both hands in closed fists. When you resume the song, keep going wherever you paused in the song.

  • Puppet: Ladybug and Bee

    Ladybug and Bee

    Activity Instructions:

    Use ladybug and bee puppets to sing song.

    Lyrics:

    VERSE 1
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    Enjoying the sunny weather
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    having some fun together
    Ladybug: “Did you know that I’m a beetle,
    my real wings hide?
    My hard shell protects
    the wings folded inside!”
    Ladybug and bee were sitting in a tree
    learning about each other

    VERSE2
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    Enjoying the sunny weather
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    having some fun together
    Bee: “Did you know I’m an insect?
    I also have wings?
    Gather pollen from the flowers
    Be careful I sting”
    Ladybug and bee were sitting in a tree
    Learning about each other
    Ladybug and bee were sitting in a tree
    Learning about each other

  • Goodbye Song: Goodbye Song

    Goodbye Song

    Activity Instructions:

    Start rhythm on keyboard. Then sing song, putting each child’s name in the song. Adjust the ending based on the number of children you have – feel free to repeat or not, and add goodbyes to mommies, daddies, instruments, etc, if needed to finish the musical phrasing, depending upon the size of your class.

    Lyrics:

    Goodbye, Cya later, adios my friends
    Our time in Rockin’ Rhythms class has come to an end
    au revoir, auf wiedersehen, bon voyage, chiao
    Until we meet again my friends, I’ll say goodbye for now

    |: Goodbye [Name goes here]
        Goodbye [Name here]
        Goodbye [Name goes here]
        Goodbye [Name here]
        Goodbye [Name goes here]
        Goodbye [Name here]
        We’ll rock again next time :|

  • Coming In Classical: Beethoven – 5th Symphony, 1st movement

    Beethoven – 5th Symphony, 1st movement

    Activity Instructions:

    Play as children are entering.

    Historical information:

    The Symphony No. 5 in C minor of Ludwig van Beethoven, Op. 67, was written between 1804–1808. It is one of the best-known compositions in classical music, and one of the most frequently played symphonies. First performed in Vienna’s Theater an der Wien in 1808, the work achieved its prodigious reputation soon afterward. E. T. A. Hoffmann described the symphony as “one of the most important works of the time”. The symphony consists of four movements. The first movement is Allegro con brio; the second movement is Andante con moto; the third movement is a Scherzo Allegro; the fourth movement is Allegro.

    It begins by stating a distinctive four-note “short-short-short-long” motif twice

    {clef treble key c minor time 2/4 {r8 g'8[ g'8 g'8] | ees'2fermata | r8 f'8[ f'8 f'8] | d'2~ | d'2fermata | } }

    The symphony, and the four-note opening motif in particular, are known worldwide, with the motif appearing frequently in popular culture, from disco versions to rock and roll covers, to uses in film and television.

    Since the Second World War it has sometimes been referred to as the “Victory Symphony.” “V” is the Roman character for the number five; the phrase “V for Victory” became well known as a campaign of the Allies of World War II. That Beethoven’s Victory Symphony happened to be his Fifth (or vice versa) is coincidence. Some thirty years after this piece was written, the rhythm of the opening phrase – “dit-dit-dit-dah” – was used for the letter “V” in Morse code, though this is probably also coincidental.

    The BBC, during World War Two, prefaced its broadcasts to Europe with those four notes, played on drums.

    (from Wikipedia)


  • Hello Song: Kid Rock Hello Song

    Kid Rock Hello Song

    Activity Instructions:

    Call children to circle. Start rhythm on Keyboard, and use each child’s name in the song.

    Lyrics:

    I’m gonna rock rock rock with with my big kids
    Rock, rock rock with my big kids
    Rock, rock rock with my big kids
    in Rockin’ Rhythms music class

    Let’s all rock with [Name Here]
    Let’s all rock with [Name Here or “together”]
    Let’s all rock with [Name Here or “and have fun”]
    in Rockin’ Rhythms music class

  • Song w/Instrument: Shake My Rainstick

    Shake My Rainstick

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out rainsticks. Explore shaking, tapping, turning over, rolling, and hiding behind back. Then sing song several times and follow motions in song.

    Lyrics:

    Shake my Rainstick
    Shake my rainstick in the sky
    Turn it over, watch the balls fall
    I can make it rain inside

    Tap my rainstick
    Tap my rainstick
    Tap my rainstick on the floor
    Turn it over watch the balls fall
    Shake it like I did before

    Roll my rainstick
    Roll my rainstick
    Roll my rainstick side to side
    Stand it up tall and then tap it
    Hold it still, and make it hide

  • Body Awareness: Touch my toes and stand up

    Touch my toes and stand up

    Activity Instructions:

    Introduce motions in song. Then use track for complete song 2-3 times.

    Lyrics:

    Walk and walk and walk and stop x3
    Touch my toes and stand up

    Clap and clap and clap and stop x3
    touch my toes and stand up

    Spin and spin and spin and stop x3
    Touch my toes and stand up

    Tap and tap and tap and stop x3
    Touch my toes and stand up

    Run and run and run and stop x3
    Touch my toes and stand 

  • Alphabet Song: Letter B – The Baby loves the Ball

    Letter B – The Baby loves the Ball

    Activity Instructions:

    Show the children a picture of the letter B and talk about the sound it makes. Then ask the children to identify things that start with the Letter B, the ones in the song are: baby, ball, bounce, bed, birthday balloon. Sing the silly story several times.

    Lyrics:

    The BABY loves the BALL, loves the BALL
    The BABY loves the BALL, loves the BALL
    The BABY loves the BALL, as it BOUNCES down the hall
    The BABY loves the BALL, loves the BALL

    The BABY loved to BOUNCE on the BED
    The BABY loved to BOUNCE on the BED
    The BABY loved the BED, till he BOUNCED upon his head (oh no!)
    The BABY loved to BOUNCE on the BED

    The BABY loves his BIRTHDAY BALLOON
    The BABY loves his BIRTHDAY BALLOON
    The BABY loves his BIRTHDAY , he loves his BALLOON
    The BABY loves his BIRTHDAY BALLOON

  • Solfege Song: Mary had a Little Lamb

    Mary had a Little Lamb

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out echo microphones. Have children explore speaking in the top of them. Then ask for some of the classes favorite songs and sing them.
    Have the children echo solfege syllables, Do-Sol ascending and descending one syllable at a time.

    Teach the song by singing the syllables a little bit at a time and have children echo back. Then sing the song with regular lyrics.

    Lyrics:

    Mi Re Do Re Mi Mi Mi,
    Re Re Re, Mi Sol Sol
    Mi Re Do Re Mi Mi Mi  
    Mi Re Re Mi Re Do

    Mary had a little lamb,
    little lamb, little lamb
    Mary had a little lamb
    Whose fleece was white as snow

  • Song w/Pitched Instrument: Baa Baa Black Sheep

    Baa Baa Black Sheep

    Activity Instructions:

    Tell the children that they will be learning the tune to Baa Baa Black Sheep on the Handbells today. Pass out the bells (C1-A). Explore ringing, then have children play the notes ascending (CDEFGA) and descending (AGFEDC). Then teach the song, and play through several times.

    Lyrics:

    Red Red Turqouise Turqouise 
    Blue Blue Blue Blue Turqoise
    Yellow Yellow Green Green Orange Orange Red
    Turqoise Turqoise Yellow Yellow Green Green Orange
    Turqoise Turqoise Yellow Yellow Green Green Orange
    Red Red Turqouise Turqouise 
    Blue Blue Blue Blue Turqoise
    Yellow Yellow Green Green Orange Orange Red

  • Composing Activity: Note Values – Pizza

    Note Values – Pizza

    Printables (.pdf)

    Activity Instructions:

    Before the lesson, make sure you have posterboard or tape a line on the wall with four measures, and have printed the printables for this activity. Explain that each block (measure) has to have a whole pizza pie. Students will decide how to order the pizza slices to make a simple four measure rhythm, with four beats in each measure. Then have students play the rhythm together on percussion instruments from the variety bucket. Repeat as desired.

    whole pizza = whole note = 4 beats
    half pizza = half note = 2 beats
    quarter pizza = quarter note = 1 beat
    eighth pizza = eighth note = 1/2 beat

  • Song w/Ball: Roll to Beethoven’s 5th

    Roll to Beethoven’s 5th

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out balls and explore tapping, bouncing, and rolling the balls. Ask the children if they remember the song during the Coming in time. (Beethoven’s 5th). Then tell them that we have a special ball song with the motif from the symphony. Repeat once or twice.

    Lyrics:

    V1. I tap my ball
    V2. I bounce my ball
    V3. I roll my ball
    (repeat all)

  • World Music Dance: Japan – One More Time – Twice

    Japan – One More Time – Twice

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out scarves, and have children bounce, dance, etc. Use different moves in different parts of the song.
    This song is by a female group from Japan and is J-Pop, Japanese Pop.

  • Musical Exploration: Musical Exploration

    Musical Exploration

    Activity Instructions:

    Dump a variety bucket of instruments out for children to play and try different instruments. Teacher’s choice on background music, make sure that the song lyrics are clean and the topic is child-appropriate. You may want to find out some of your participants favorite popular songs and include them here!

  • Musical Game: Cutoff & Conduct

    Cutoff & Conduct

    Activity Instructions:

    This is a variation on redlight greenlight. The teacher will stand on the opposite side of the room from the students. The students should walk to you while you are conducting and singing any children’s song of your choice, and then stop when you indicate a cutoff, by freezing with both hands in closed fists. When you resume the song, keep going wherever you paused in the song.

  • Puppet: Ladybug and Bee

    Ladybug and Bee

    Activity Instructions:

    Use ladybug and bee puppets to sing song.

    Lyrics:

    VERSE 1
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    Enjoying the sunny weather
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    having some fun together
    Ladybug: “Did you know that I’m a beetle,
    my real wings hide?
    My hard shell protects
    the wings folded inside!”
    Ladybug and bee were sitting in a tree
    learning about each other

    VERSE2
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    Enjoying the sunny weather
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    having some fun together
    Bee: “Did you know I’m an insect?
    I also have wings?
    Gather pollen from the flowers
    Be careful I sting”
    Ladybug and bee were sitting in a tree
    Learning about each other
    Ladybug and bee were sitting in a tree
    Learning about each other

  • Goodbye Song: Goodbye Song

    Goodbye Song

    Activity Instructions:

    Start rhythm on keyboard. Then sing song, putting each child’s name in the song. Adjust the ending based on the number of children you have – feel free to repeat or not, and add goodbyes to mommies, daddies, instruments, etc, if needed to finish the musical phrasing, depending upon the size of your class.

    Lyrics:

    Goodbye, Cya later, adios my friends
    Our time in Rockin’ Rhythms class has come to an end
    au revoir, auf wiedersehen, bon voyage, chiao
    Until we meet again my friends, I’ll say goodbye for now

    |: Goodbye [Name goes here]
        Goodbye [Name here]
        Goodbye [Name goes here]
        Goodbye [Name here]
        Goodbye [Name goes here]
        Goodbye [Name here]
        We’ll rock again next time :|

  • Coming In Classical: Beethoven – 5th Symphony, 1st movement

    Beethoven – 5th Symphony, 1st movement

    Activity Instructions:

    Play as children are entering.

    Historical information:

    The Symphony No. 5 in C minor of Ludwig van Beethoven, Op. 67, was written between 1804–1808. It is one of the best-known compositions in classical music, and one of the most frequently played symphonies. First performed in Vienna’s Theater an der Wien in 1808, the work achieved its prodigious reputation soon afterward. E. T. A. Hoffmann described the symphony as “one of the most important works of the time”. The symphony consists of four movements. The first movement is Allegro con brio; the second movement is Andante con moto; the third movement is a Scherzo Allegro; the fourth movement is Allegro.

    It begins by stating a distinctive four-note “short-short-short-long” motif twice

    {clef treble key c minor time 2/4 {r8 g'8[ g'8 g'8] | ees'2fermata | r8 f'8[ f'8 f'8] | d'2~ | d'2fermata | } }

    The symphony, and the four-note opening motif in particular, are known worldwide, with the motif appearing frequently in popular culture, from disco versions to rock and roll covers, to uses in film and television.

    Since the Second World War it has sometimes been referred to as the “Victory Symphony.” “V” is the Roman character for the number five; the phrase “V for Victory” became well known as a campaign of the Allies of World War II. That Beethoven’s Victory Symphony happened to be his Fifth (or vice versa) is coincidence. Some thirty years after this piece was written, the rhythm of the opening phrase – “dit-dit-dit-dah” – was used for the letter “V” in Morse code, though this is probably also coincidental.

    The BBC, during World War Two, prefaced its broadcasts to Europe with those four notes, played on drums.

    (from Wikipedia)


  • Hello Song: Family Rock Hello Song

    Family Rock Hello Song

    Activity Instructions:

    Call children to circle. Start rhythm on Keyboard, and use each child’s name in the song.

    Lyrics:

    I’m gonna rock rock rock with with my families
    Rock, rock rock with my families
    Rock, rock rock with my families
    in Rockin’ Rhythms music class

    Let’s all rock with [Name Here]
    Let’s all rock with [Name Here or “together”]
    Let’s all rock with [Name Here or “and have fun”]
    in Rockin’ Rhythms music class

  • Song w/Instrument: Shake My Rainstick

    Shake My Rainstick

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out rainsticks. Explore shaking, tapping, turning over, rolling, and hiding behind back. Then sing song several times and follow motions in song.

    Lyrics:

    Shake my Rainstick
    Shake my rainstick in the sky
    Turn it over, watch the balls fall
    I can make it rain inside

    Tap my rainstick
    Tap my rainstick
    Tap my rainstick on the floor
    Turn it over watch the balls fall
    Shake it like I did before

    Roll my rainstick
    Roll my rainstick
    Roll my rainstick side to side
    Stand it up tall and then tap it
    Hold it still, and make it hide

  • Peek-a-boo: I am hiding, You can’t see me

    I am hiding, You can’t see me

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out scarves, and play peek-a-boo, having parents or you pull the scarves away, and say boo!
    Then sing song with scarves. Take the time to interact with each child and sing to them, if class size allows.

    Lyrics:

    I am hiding, You can’t see me
    When I make a silly face [make silly face]
    I am hiding you can’t see me
    Till I pull my scarf away, boo! [pull scarf away on “boo”]

    I am playing peek a boo
    Playing peek a boo with (you” OR child’s name )
    I am playing peek a boo
    Playing peek a boo, boo! [pull scarf away on second “boo”]

  • Color or Shape Song: 3D Shapes – Cone, Cube, Cylinder, Sphere

    3D Shapes – Cone, Cube, Cylinder, Sphere

    Activity Instructions:

    Make sure to gather items of the three 3D shapes before class.
    Suggestions: A traffic cone for the cone, a square tissue box for the cube, a ball for the sphere and a coffee can or tea can for the cylinder. 

    Put the shapes in four spots around the room, review what each of them are. Then sing the song, and have the children run to the objects as you sing the song.

    Lyrics:

    123, in 3D, looking for a shape
    123, in 3D, looking for a shape 
    123, in 3D, looking for a shape 
    I am looking for a [Cone, Cube, Cylinder, Sphere]
    looking for a shape

  • Body Awareness: Touch my toes and stand up

    Touch my toes and stand up

    Activity Instructions:

    Introduce motions in song. Then use track for complete song 2-3 times.

    Lyrics:

    Walk and walk and walk and stop x3
    Touch my toes and stand up

    Clap and clap and clap and stop x3
    touch my toes and stand up

    Spin and spin and spin and stop x3
    Touch my toes and stand up

    Tap and tap and tap and stop x3
    Touch my toes and stand up

    Run and run and run and stop x3
    Touch my toes and stand 

  • Song w/Pitched Instrument: Baa Baa Black Sheep

    Baa Baa Black Sheep

    Activity Instructions:

    Tell the children that they will be learning the tune to Baa Baa Black Sheep on the Handbells today. Pass out the bells (C1-A). Explore ringing, then have children play the notes ascending (CDEFGA) and descending (AGFEDC). Then teach the song, and play through several times.

    Lyrics:

    Red Red Turqouise Turqouise 
    Blue Blue Blue Blue Turqoise
    Yellow Yellow Green Green Orange Orange Red
    Turqoise Turqoise Yellow Yellow Green Green Orange
    Turqoise Turqoise Yellow Yellow Green Green Orange
    Red Red Turqouise Turqouise 
    Blue Blue Blue Blue Turqoise
    Yellow Yellow Green Green Orange Orange Red

  • Solfege Song: Mary had a Little Lamb

    Mary had a Little Lamb

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out echo microphones. Have children explore speaking in the top of them. Then ask for some of the classes favorite songs and sing them.
    Have the children echo solfege syllables, Do-Sol ascending and descending one syllable at a time.

    Teach the song by singing the syllables a little bit at a time and have children echo back. Then sing the song with regular lyrics.

    Lyrics:

    Mi Re Do Re Mi Mi Mi,
    Re Re Re, Mi Sol Sol
    Mi Re Do Re Mi Mi Mi  
    Mi Re Re Mi Re Do

    Mary had a little lamb,
    little lamb, little lamb
    Mary had a little lamb
    Whose fleece was white as snow

  • Song w/Ball: Roll to Beethoven’s 5th

    Roll to Beethoven’s 5th

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out balls and explore tapping, bouncing, and rolling the balls. Ask the children if they remember the song during the Coming in time. (Beethoven’s 5th). Then tell them that we have a special ball song with the motif from the symphony. Repeat once or twice.

    Lyrics:

    V1. I tap my ball
    V2. I bounce my ball
    V3. I roll my ball
    (repeat all)

  • World Music Dance: Japan – One More Time – Twice

    Japan – One More Time – Twice

    Activity Instructions:

    Pass out scarves, and have children bounce, dance, etc. Use different moves in different parts of the song.
    This song is by a female group from Japan and is J-Pop, Japanese Pop.

  • Musical Exploration: Musical Exploration

    Musical Exploration

    Activity Instructions:

    Dump a variety bucket of instruments out for children to play and try different instruments. Teacher’s choice on background music, make sure that the song lyrics are clean and the topic is child-appropriate. You may want to find out some of your participants favorite popular songs and include them here!

  • Musical Composition Activity: Note Values – Pizza

    Note Values – Pizza

    Printables (.pdf)

    Activity Instructions:

    Before the lesson, make sure you have posterboard or tape a line on the wall with four measures, and have printed the printables for this activity. Explain that each block (measure) has to have a whole pizza pie. Students will decide how to order the pizza slices to make a simple four measure rhythm, with four beats in each measure. Then have students play the rhythm together on percussion instruments from the variety bucket. Repeat as desired.

    whole pizza = whole note = 4 beats
    half pizza = half note = 2 beats
    quarter pizza = quarter note = 1 beat
    eighth pizza = eighth note = 1/2 beat

  • Musical Game: Cutoff & Conduct

    Cutoff & Conduct

    Activity Instructions:

    This is a variation on redlight greenlight. The teacher will stand on the opposite side of the room from the students. The students should walk to you while you are conducting and singing any children’s song of your choice, and then stop when you indicate a cutoff, by freezing with both hands in closed fists. When you resume the song, keep going wherever you paused in the song.

  • Puppet: Ladybug and Bee

    Ladybug and Bee

    Activity Instructions:

    Use ladybug and bee puppets to sing song.

    Lyrics:

    VERSE 1
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    Enjoying the sunny weather
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    having some fun together
    Ladybug: “Did you know that I’m a beetle,
    my real wings hide?
    My hard shell protects
    the wings folded inside!”
    Ladybug and bee were sitting in a tree
    learning about each other

    VERSE2
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    Enjoying the sunny weather
    Ladybug and Bee were sitting in a tree
    having some fun together
    Bee: “Did you know I’m an insect?
    I also have wings?
    Gather pollen from the flowers
    Be careful I sting”
    Ladybug and bee were sitting in a tree
    Learning about each other
    Ladybug and bee were sitting in a tree
    Learning about each other

  • Goodbye Song: Goodbye Song

    Goodbye Song

    Activity Instructions:

    Start rhythm on keyboard. Then sing song, putting each child’s name in the song. Adjust the ending based on the number of children you have – feel free to repeat or not, and add goodbyes to mommies, daddies, instruments, etc, if needed to finish the musical phrasing, depending upon the size of your class.

    Lyrics:

    Goodbye, Cya later, adios my friends
    Our time in Rockin’ Rhythms class has come to an end
    au revoir, auf wiedersehen, bon voyage, chiao
    Until we meet again my friends, I’ll say goodbye for now

    |: Goodbye [Name goes here]
        Goodbye [Name here]
        Goodbye [Name goes here]
        Goodbye [Name here]
        Goodbye [Name goes here]
        Goodbye [Name here]
        We’ll rock again next time :|