Teach the song "Closet Key." Students may be able to read the rhythm and/or the solfa notes. If not, teach it by rote.

This song gives students an opportunity to sing with a variety of dynamics. It can also be used to create ostinatos and different lyrics.

Watch the kids demo of "Closet Key" and play the game.

Game Directions: Choose two children---one to hide the key and one to find it. The finder must leave the room. The hider is given 30 seconds to hide the key. It must be visible with the naked eye. When the key is hidden the finder is allowed back in the room. The class sings the song, singing softly when the finder is far away from the key. As the finder gets closer the singing becomes louder. It is very important for the teacher to stress that at ALL dynamic levels, the tone quality should be beautiful.

There is an Orff arrangement of the song if you have instruments.

Brainstorm a list of kinds of keys and words that end with key. Create a 16 beat B section where you’ll chant all the different kinds of keys.

For example: brass key, car key, house key, monkey!

Read through the chart below to review dynamics terms and symbols.

Download

Read the poem and try each line at a different dynamic level.

You might try starting loud and getting quieter. Or you might try starting quietly and getting louder.

Choose the Dynamics that You Like for this Poem

You could download and print the worksheet from supporting resources.
-or-
use the interactive

Listen to a Spooky Story.

Write your own spooky story.

You can use the recorded sound effects in the activity, or you can create your own sound effects.

When your story is written, read it with sound effects.

Teachers starts the music. When the teacher hits pause, all FREEZE.

Some teachers play this as an elimination - if you're moving after the music stops, you sit down.

A fun variant is to have the kids freeze and make a pose. You might make a pose like a pumpkin or cat or skeleton.