The demo video is up! This choreographed movement is for Madonna's Ray of Light (radio edit version because it is shorter). The dance is for grade 3 and 4 students using finger lights. It can be used in conjunction with our other Light unit activities, or on its own, as a performance piece, or simply as a classroom learning opportunity. These nifty finger lights can be found at the dollar store. 4 in a pack! We have had an overwhelming response to this piece at our workshops. You love it! And the kids love it! 

Comment below if you have any questions!

We love using books in the Music room! As many of you know, we also love thematic teaching! A farm unit for kinders is a great way to start the school year. There are many traditional songs about farm animals that many of us already do (Old Macdonald, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Three Blind Mice, etc.) that can easily be incorporated into a farm unit. 

There are a ton of farm themed books out there and books are a great way for students to connect story and sound. Picture books can be used in a variety of ways in Music class. Soundscapes using non-pitched and/or pitched percussion can set the mood of a story, an instrument sound or motif can be used to represent a different character in the story, an instrument can be used to portray a sound effect, and the list of possibilities goes on. Some books can act as a framework for movement exercises and some can even lend themselves to vocal warm-ups.

Below are some great books to use as a focus of individual lessons or within a farm unit for your primary classes! 

 PUNK FARM! by Jarrett Krosoczka 

DOING THE ANIMAL BOP by Jan Ormerod

CLICK, CLACK, MOO Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

HOW TO SPEAK MOO by Deborah Fajerman

GIGGLE, GIGGLE, QUACK by Doreen Cronin

SHEEP IN A JEEP by Nancy Shaw

Who uses some of these books already? Do you have any other animal or farm themed books that you use for Music? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!