HICKORY DICKORY DOCK!
It was a fun week in music class! We used the old nursery rhyme "Hickory Dickory Dock" to work on counting, fine motor and experiencing the lovely tones of chimes!
Three and four year olds used small paper manipulatives (check your child's cubby for a small marked envelope from Monday) in the shape of the mouse and clock to perform the actions of the songs, as well as the chimes to count. Each time the clock struck a time, we hit the chimes that number of times with the mallet. Everyone had a blast playing this instrument and the kids were also very interested in the difference between 12 noon and 12 midnight--ask your three or four year old about it!
The younger children also used the chimes but instead of manipulatives, we performed the song with a soft scarf. Their body was the clock and the scarf mouse ran "up" the clock and back "down" again when the chime was struck.
Last but not least, the bird puppets came out this week to perform "Jack and Jill", which is by far one of the most beloved fingerplays (and the most simple) that I've ever done with the kids. It never ceases to amaze me how entertained they are by this! =) Click here to view a video from year's passed.
Also see this video of the four year old class playing the chime for Hickory Dickory Dock!
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CHILD
1) What did the mouse do when the clock struck one, or two, or three? He ran down!
2) Did you play the chime in music class? How many times did you hit the chime with the mallet?
3) (For three and four year olds) When the clock strikes 12 and it is light outside, what is that called? (Noon) What about when the clock strikes twelve and it is dark? (Midnight)