September 8 - 12 (Music Week 2)

 Learning Intention for ALL: I can demonstrate beat awareness using movement throughout the room, body percussion and classroom instruments such as shakers, sticks and barred instruments.

Students learned new songs and rhymes this week through a variety of activities. When learning new poems and songs in music class, students are exposed to new musical patterns through movement, by ear and by sight. Students are provided with many opportunities to develop musical understanding through body percussion, a variety of instruments and singing games. We will spend the next several weeks building sets of songs and poems that will provide context for building understanding of new musical concepts. As we learn new songs, we are always finding ways to create patterns and reinforce the very important concept of beat. 

You can support students at home by creating 2 and 3 part patterns or movement sequences while listening to music that inspires you. Some of our students were very ambitious this week and suggested patterns including 5 or 6 movement components. Personally, I struggle to find success with more than 3 but I told the kids that I would continue to practice so that I build muscle memory and confidence with longer patterns. 

Best wishes for a beautiful weekend. Let the sunshine in!

Musically Yours, 

Mrs. Katie McMillan