December is a month full of holidays and is a perfect month to talk about sugar!
This is an International Candy Rondo idea focusing on first American candies and then involving the students in an exploration of international candies. Thanks to my friend Tammy for creating this idea- she created this as a Project-Based Learning activity with her students so you could easily have your students research a cultures candy and/or treats.
This is the final installment of "Musical Vacations" to finish out the school year.
I just finished an Immigration Celebration unit with my second graders and do another unit on music around the world with my fourth grade students earlier in the school year. With my second graders, who are oh so wiggly and squiggly, this has been the perfect unit to complete our time together! I would highly recommend having a globe handy or projecting a world map to show the children where all these songs come from.
1. Rattlin' Bog - Ireland
My students learn this in March for St. Patrick's Day and they love it. They choose or create rhythms to play on drums, bodhran style, during the chorus. Of course we add motions to each of the cumulative verses!
2. Yesh Lanu Tayish - Israel
Another favorite shared by a fellow music teacher who has a heart for songs from other cultures! Thanks, Marilyn!
3. Cuddly Koala - Australia
This is from my book, "Hands to Hands", available here. This one was sent by a lovely Australian friend, Susan!
4. May There Always Be Sunshine - Russia
I am always amazed at how deeply this touches children, and this version is my favorite English version:
Others and Resources
There are several others we sing (so much music, so little time) including,
