Kindergarten Music

 Recently I polled  teachers on social media asking what teachers needed the most. It seems a lot of people struggle with those sweet, other-worldly Kindergarteners! Others wanted singing games and canons, so for the next two weeks (at least) I will posting twice a day on my socials - insta/tiktok -@aimee_ofortunaorff. 

 Today, we will chat about Kindergarten. Oh, how I love these little special people. If I had to pick three words to describe Kinders it would be: 1. Adorable 2. Chaotic 3. Curious. 

 The songs, rhymes, movement experiences, and instrument play in Kindergarten form the foundation for all other musical experiences that will happen in later years. Musical concepts of rhythm, melody, form, expression, and harmony originate and are explored through the active musical experiences in Kindergarten. Students also learn crucial skills about interacting with others, following rules and procedures, and making music in a collaborative ensemble. 

Structure 

Structure and routine is oh-so necessary for our Kindergarten wee ones, and so is leaving room for exploration and play. Clear and consistent routines, expectations, and an organized learning environment help our little musicians develop self-control, manage emotions, reduce anxiety, and focus on learning. See more here. So, what does that look like in our music classrooms? Maybe something like this: 

Greeting/Walking In/Sitting Down 

Each of these has musical opportunities- even the music you may have playing as students walk in and sit down - maybe it is a song they have sung before, or maybe it is something you will use in the lesson or in a lesson to come. Maybe there is a rhythmic element you want the students to refer back to - there are so many playful and musical possibilities.

Beat & Melodic Exploration 

*The links below are videos - I would love to have embedded them here but unfortunately, blogger did not like it when I did that! 

Knees a Knees a Pizza Pie is a steady beat activity we use to start each music lesson. 

Movement and Name Song

Where is ____ Show Us Your Moves This is one I use after Knees a Knees a.

Reaction Training Games

Walk, Run, and Stop Dalcroze Game This is an activity that becomes a game and we do this at the beginning of each music class after Knees a Knees a.

More Fingerplays and Ways to Extend Them into Other Grades

Simple Songs, Fingerplays, Games, Dances & Instrument Play

Imitation, and Exploration 

Here is one example. There are so many available resources for Kindergarten!

I hope all of this is helpful!

Beat Stays Steady Beat Stays Same, Beat Does Not Ever Change

Well.. it's a nice saying but not entirely true-- the beat sometimes gets faster and rarely gets slower, but it does sometimes change. But let's not confuse the little ones - beat or pulse in a song stays the same. 
There has been a lot of conversation on several facebook groups I subscribe to about using beat buddies AKA beanie babies or stuffed animals filled with weighted beads.  These lovely critters make an appearance in my classroom quite frequently with my littles - I have Junior Kindergarten - 4 and 5 year olds and Kindergarten kiddos who really love them.

1.  Oh the Horse Stood Around

2.  Knees a Knees a Pizza Pie

Here is a previous post of another steady beat activity I use with my youngest students at the beginning of each music class.

3.  Can You Bounce Me?