HERE’S WHAT WE DID:

Big Pig (K, 1st, & 2nd)

This pitch exploration dialogue between “Big Pig” and the Farmer’s Wife (that’s my take on it this year) was a big hit with the kindergarten, first, and second graders.  They performed as the characters in groups using their “Big Pig” low voices and and ridiculously high, southern draaaaaw-ulled “Farmer’s Wife” voices.  Volunteers got to hold Big Pig and help him dig.  Cuteness abounded.  Listen to the track here.

Rhythm Set 1A & Debka Tora (2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th) Mystery Rhythm

Rhythm Set 1A is a set of eight, two measure long patterns consisting of barred eighth notes and quarter notes.  The phrases are straight out of typical folk songs; not difficult, but challenging enough to keep the students’ interest.  We echoed the patterns with rhythm syllables (I use ta, and titi) and practiced using other drill techniques like making all the ta’s silent, red shirts say the odds, blues, evens, etc.

Later in the week, I taught the song, Debka Tora, with circle dance. H/T Alisha Gabriel

Dance: Before dance begins, assign symbol or number for two groups.  I used peaches/cream. Grapevine to the left for two measures, grapevine to the right for next two measure.  Peaches walk four steps to the center then back, Creams walk four to the center then back.

After once through the Debka Tora, I chant one of the rhythms from the set (at first with syllables, later played on drum).  Students take turns pointing to the rhythm on the board as we chant it together.  Then back to the dance as a “reset.”  There’s a lot going on in this kind of activity, but I love seeing the student’s engagement throughout.

I’ve Been to Haarlem, I’ve Been to Dover

Interestingly, the students who immediately identify this activity as “the cup song/when I’m gone” have some difficulty doing the cup motions with new words.  We paired it with Sousa’s Washington Post March to really change it up. 

I sing it with these words:

I’ve been to Haarlem, I’ve been to Dover

I’ve traveled this wide word all over

Over, over, three times over

Drink all the apple juice and turn the glasses over