Echo m sl patterns.

Depending on the reading abilities of your students, teach the song by rote or have the students read the solfa and the rhythms.

Game Directions: This is a ball-bouncing game. For young children, ball bouncing is best attempted with playground balls rather than tennis balls. The first time you try ball bouncing, stand in the middle of the circle of children and bounce the ball to each child in turn. If there are enough balls, the children can then try to bounce the ball on the first beat of each measure and catch on the second beat. This movement will help them feel that the first beat of each measure is an accented beat. If there is not a full class set of playground balls, students can take a partner and bounce the ball between themselves and a partner.

Try making up different patterns with a ball. For example: bounce, catch, hit the ball
Create a rondo using the song as the theme, and the ball patterns as variations.

Create a word rhythm with ball bouncing words.

Perform this word rhythm as an ostinato with the song.
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Use the word rhythm as a B section, and decide how to perform: AB. A B A.

Listen to the song and show the students the actions for the song. Teach the song and the actions to them. This is a great song for keeping a steady beat and for moving to the music. The kids demo is included in the next procedure.

Teach the song by rote. Play the singing game.

Make a line, joining hands, facing the same direction. One end of the line is the “knot” and it doesn’t move at all. The other end of the line is the “needle” and leads the “thread” through an arch formed by the last two students in the line. These students end up turned around with arms crossed in front of them. Teacher help is usually needed for the first few turns, until the students have this figured out.

Sing "The Music Time is Over."