to our MUSIC IN THE CLASSROOM Page!

We LOVE using music in the classroom! While the teacher is not the world's best singer, the kids don't mind at all! We do lots of fingerplays and piggy-back songs (songs to the tune of familiar songs, like "Twinkle" and "Clementine!"). Most of them I just make up on my own to fit the theme or concept we're learning about. In October, we have a writers' workshop lesson on song-writing and they write songs using the "Frere Jacques" tune. It's great because of the ease and the repetition! Then they write songs all year long!

When doing a fingerplay or piggyback song, I usually write the words on a large piece of chart paper or oaktag so that those who can read can follow it along. After introducing it, I put the title of the song on an index card and put it into a basket called our "Song Box." Every morning one helper chooses one of the "old" songs to sing...it's a nice way to revisit old favorites, as long as you don't mind singing about pumpkins in May!!

My absolute FAVORITE way of using music in the classroom is during transitions. I'll say "By the time this song is over, we should be all cleaned up and on the carpet." Then I put on one of my favorite CDs, tapes or records (yes, vinyl!!) and they begin to sing along as they are cleaning up. Those that are finished join me on the carpet to sing and do the motions if there are any.

My all time favorite artist for children is Jonathan Sprout. He has two excellent Heroes CDs and we LOVE his songs about Martin Luther King, Washington, Lincoln, Johnny Appleseed and more. He's even been to our school to perform on two occassions! You'll find his CDs at this link below: Jonathan Sprout's Homepage

Another series of CDs that are available (although I own them on the original LPs!) is offered by Newbridge called "Songs for Learning." Originally published as a record-of-the-month club by Macmillan, it is a set of CDs grouped by category. I love the ones called Animals, Seasonal Songs, Our Earth, Nursery Rhymes and Holiday Songs. See the link below and search for "Songs for Learning."

I also use songs by Charlotte Diamond, Raffi, Greg & Steve, The Broadway Kids, Hap Palmer (a very oldie but very goodie!!) and more. Some of the songs I use are on records no longer available, and I guard them with my life!!

Click on the links to the homepages of some of the artists we love! Newbridge Songs for Learning

Hap Palmer Greg & Steve Raffi Charlotte Diamond Broadway Kids
Because music is such an integral part of our first grade day, I always give each child a CD of our favorite songs at Valentine's Day (so much better than candy!!) I burn a compilation CD of many of the songs we've done and they are OVERWHELMED when they find it in their Valentine bags. Parents have responded so well to this!

Thanks for stopping by! If you have any questions, just email me!

etonn@att.net

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