Groovy Bumble Bees

I had such a fun lesson today! My 1st and 2nd graders are getting so much better and consistent with our music procedures. We only have to "practice" once or twice before everyone is doing them correct now! And I totally mean only the little stuff: standing up together without noise, finding their "polka dot spot" while walking piano, etc. (Of course, I'm thinking as I write this, I'm going to be in for quite a day tomorrow... haha)

Anyway, our school's set of textbooks is Music Connection. And the one before that is Share the Music - which is where I found the songs.

We begin by reviewing a little bit of piano and forte (they were both introduced last week, and I use them daily for the rest of the year to keep them refreshed). Anyway, we slid through that and I had them listen to the "Flight of the Bumblebee." We talked about what animal we were hearing, what we think the bees were doing, and what the title of the song might be called before I tell them.

Next, I have them find their "polka dot spot" somewhere in the classroom, and play the song again. Only this time, if the music is piano, we squat down, when it's in the middle, we're halfway up, and forte is standing. Our version is pretty short and has quick dynamic changes, which keeps their body moving.

The song that comes after it is some kind of fancy version that has a very groovy feel to it. I have the kids mirror my movements (which are always a good time). We had lots of smiles today! :)