Learn to sing 'Jolly Rhythm"

Teach the song by rote.

Play a Name Game with "Jolly Rhythm"

Listen to the song. Consider changing the word “rhythm” to “beat.” as really, that’s what we’re doing in the game.

Kids Demo Game Directions: Assign each student in the class a number. Have the students keep a beat by tapping two fingers in the palm of their hand or snapping fingers. The leader is always zero. The leader sings their own number twice and then another number twice. The person who has the number must come in on the beat with their own number twice, and then someone else’s number. If a student misses a beat, they are eliminated from the game. If you start with all the students standing, the students who are eliminated sit down. If you don’t like elimination games, each time the beat is missed change the tempo.

Name Game variant: Instead of numbering students, use the students names.
The game starter sings their own name 2x, then someone else’s name 2x.
The new student sings their own name 2x, then someone else’s name 2x.
Each time the beat is missed change the tempo.

Learn to sing "Wake Me! Shake Me!"

Teach "Wake Me! Shake Me!" by rote.
Sing or play a phrase and have the students echo.

Wake me! Shake me! Demo

Watch how the kids play the game.
Try playing the game!

Mixer Version - choose a leader.
Wake me! Leader chooses a partner, sings and claps 2x
Shake me! Leader gently shakes the partner’s shoulders
Don’t let me sleep too late! Leader sings and wags index finger 4x
I’m gonna get up bright and early ... The leader ‘jives’ with partner
I’m gonna swing on the golden gate. The leader and partner swing
Both the leader and partner choose new partners. The game continues until everyone is included.

Add an optional spoken B section: I’m feeling sleepy! I’m feeling creepy! Someone please wake me up! (2x) Invite the students to create their own 'complaints' with a partner, and choose some of the new creations to use as a B section. For example: Summer is over. It went too quickly. Time for a holiday. Decide on a final form. For example: Sing the song (A section) Spoken part (B section) Sing the song (A section)

Double Circle Directions (simpler): Form a single circle with partners facing each other within the circle. Perform the actions as described above until the last phrase. On the words, "I'm gonna swing on the golden gate," partners link elbows, but instead of swinging, they walk past each other, passing right shoulders so they end up facing a new partner. Continue the game until the students return to their original partner.

Learn to Bucket Drum with "Good Mood"

If you have bucket drums use them.
If you don't have bucket drums other options include:
- use rhythm sticks and play on the floor
- pat on your legs (for top of drums), knees (for rim), snap (for clicks)
Be creative!

Staff Lesson Interactive 1 - Teach

Not sure what to do? Use the question mark. ?

An optional staff worksheet is given in supporting resources.

Staff Lesson Interactive 1 - Assess

Not sure what to do? Use the question mark. ?

About the song "Frere Jacques"

Sing "Frère Jacques"

Teach 'Frere Jacques" by rote.
Sing or play a phrase and have the students echo.
Continue until the students can sing the whole song.
Try the song as a 2 part round.

Sing the Song "Frère Jacques" and Do the Movements

The round can be performed as a movement canon as well as a vocal canon.
Form a double circle.

Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques 1. Partners join hands and take eight steps
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous? 2. Point finger at your partner, change hands
Sonnez les matines, Sonnez les matines, 3. Join hands and jive back and forth
Ding, dang, dong! Ding, dang, dong! 4. Clap own hands twice, clap partners hands

Learn the movements to the round in unison with one double circle. Split the group in half and do it as a two part movement/vocal canon. Work up to a four part movement/vocal canon.

Review Beat and Rhythm for the Song "Frère Jacques"

We're going to use this song to review beat, rhythm, and review 16th notes.

Do activities #1, #3 and, if you learned about 16th notes last year, do #6.

Listen and Sing Along with "This Little Light"

Listen and sing along with "This Little Light."

Keep a List of the Songs You Really Enjoy

Keep a list of the songs you really enjoy.

You can use the search engine to quickly find them, any time you feel like singing.

If you have a ukulele or guitar at home, you could learn to play it using the ukulele or guitar section.

Maybe you could learn to play along with your songs.