Review "My Bonnie"

This song can be used as a fun song or as a “stretch” during a class or rehearsal. The song is useful for teaching or reinforcing 3/4 meter. The song will probably be familiar to your students. If it isn’t, teach the song by rote and then teach the actions.

Do the actions while singing "My Bonnie"

Begin the song sitting down. Each time you sing a word that begins with the letter B, change position. The first time you sing a B word, stand up. The next time you sing a B word, sit down. Continue in this way throughout the song. When you sing the song faster, it becomes more of a challenge. Have fun!

Review "Sing the Scale"

This round is easy to read and a great way to teach about or review the major scale. Have the students read the rhythms and melody, then learn to sing it well in unison. When the students can sing it well in unison, try the round in two parts.

Review the C Major Scale

Teach "Charley Marley"

This song gives the students an opportunity to learn a Jamaican song and game. Teach the song by rote.

Play the "Charley Marley" game

The students form a double circle, with partners holding hands above their heads to make a bridge formation. The teacher chooses one pair to be the head pair. As the song is sung, the head couple skips under the bridge and back to their place. Each pair in turn follows the head pair through in some way. The dance continues until all pairs have gone under the bridge.

Option 1: Play "Charley Marley" on Boomwhackers

Option 2: Teach the Orff arrangement for "Charley Marley"

Teach "Winter is Here"

This is a four part round. Be sure the students can sing the melody well in unison before trying it in parts. The first time you try having them sing in parts, have all the class sing the round in unison and you sing the round. If the class is successful, divide them into two groups. Have each group sing the round twice, with the second group beginning after measure two. When they are successful at this, try the round in three parts (as recorded) and then in four parts.

Complete a rhythm erase for "Winter is Here"

Clap all 4 rhythms. Click on a square to take one away.
Clap all 4 rhythms, including the missing one. Click on a square to take another away.
Clap all 4 rhythms, including the missing ones. Click on a square to take another away.
Clap all 4 rhythms, including the missing ones. Click on a square to take another away.
Invite 4 students to help you write the complete rhythm on the board. (Each does one square)

Option 1: Name the note names for "Winter is Here"

Option 2: Name the solfa notes for "Winter is Here"

Option 1: Play "Winter is Here" on Ukuleles or Guitars

Option 2: Teach the Orff arrangement for "Winter is Here"

Creative Ideas: Have the students create movement to accompany the song. Perform it as a singing and movement canon.

Sing "Batman Smells"