Lesson 4

Just a reminder that parents come next week.

We are learning lots of new songs very quickly! Make sure the music is being played daily in your home. Even while the kids are playing and/or not really focusing on the music itself, they will internalize what is happening in the background.

In case you need some help remembering the chords in pieces, there is a reference in the "Noteworthy" section of the homework to remind you which color matches with which pieces.

Homework: pp. 8–9 Students color the triangles to show which chord it is based on their pieces.

Jungle Rhythm
Today when we played Jungle Rhythm, we moved to a steady beat, divided, and subdivided a beat — and it was all done through play! Your students didn't even realize they were subconsciously learning how to perform rhythms. Now this is how music should be taught!

Bill Grogan's Goat
This song has great musical value. We feel the beat and clap on the internal (non-sung) beats. Every time we "play" this activity the students are internalizing how to organize rhythm into time. This is a very complex musical skill, but can be done at such a young age!

I've Been to Harlem
Teaching the ear to hear and distinguish between ‘happy’ (major) and ‘sad’ (minor) chords is our objective of this song. We can teach a child to compose their own music based on how they are feeling and how they want the listener to feel. This concept builds sensitive music listeners and caring intuitive individuals. Yep, music actually teaches life lessons and builds character!

Identifying minor songs is a majorly important skill! Read why here...

Also, watch this video with your student about major and minor!