Being a kindergarten music teacher for one hour sure goes by rather quickly. It is so much fun and truly rewarding to be with five year olds. There is lots of work in preparing for the upcoming day each week. The children look forward to our time of being together, learning all about music.
Music Lesson Plan
I usually begin the rhythm and music class with a type of story-telling gesture. I start with saying, “Good morning class.” The response is usually a typical reply, “Good morning Mrs. Rogers.” When I tell them I’m going to step outside and come back in with my teacher face on and try it again, that’s when I know I have their attention and cooperation. Children are so flexible when you change the variables and come back in with a quiet greeting, or a loud one. They will definitely copy you with their response most enthusiastically!Music Talking Points:
1. What Is Music?2. What Is Rhythm?
I begin by explaining that music is like reading notes not letters. We talk about music being on the radio and a CD. You hear music in bands and orchestras. One boy wanted to add to the discussion that he hears music when the birds sing, while another little girl added that her Dad plays music on the TV.
After awhile, I introduce that music is like your heart beating and that some notes are played slower than others. It is at this point that I go over to the piano or keyboard and play a few songs that the children are familiar with that are examples of a slow song, like Away In The Manger. We move on to fast songs such as Pop! Goes the Weasel and Yankee Doodle. Then we march in a circle to The Wheels on the Bus and London Bridges. There are tons of children’s songs available for your use on the internet.
It is at this point that I begin to talk in depth about teaching young people the music notes. We name the notes, talk about how many beats correspond to that particular note and then we practice clapping. So, within the first part of the hour, the kids have some introduction to a Quarter Note, being a black note that receives one count. Then, we have the Half Note, being a white note that receives 2 beats. The children learn patience in pausing and holding a note for a longer count. Finally, we move on to the whole note that is held 4 counts.
Kindergarten Music Activities
We review by clapping. Then we go into the rhythm box and pullout the sticks. The class learns to click the beats with the rhythm sticks to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. You can find the chords to the song at Storytime Songs.com Again, there are so many great songs to choose from. If we have time, we move on to other rhythm instruments. The children enjoy the triangle, bells, wooden block, spoons, the tambourine, shakers, flutes and kazoos. Basically, anything loud and fast! |
| I Spy Whole Notes-Pretend Magnifying Glass |
Kindergarten Music Game
Towards the end of the hour, I enjoy introducing the children to a music game. We played “I Spy The Whole Note” with pretend magnifying glasses. I like to place flash cards around the room and have the children close their eyes. On the count of three, the flash cards are turned over, with eyes opened the kids begin their search for what a whole note looks like. It’s fun to teach at a kindergarten music class! |
| Teacher Treats |
What are you making with your kiddos? You might want to stop by and visit some other great blogs for ideas to share with the little peeps!
http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis
My Family from WiddlyTinks.com
