Week of November 24th, 2014

WE ARE THANKFUL!

We enjoyed singing songs this week about thankfulness! We re-capped our turkey songs from last week, but we also included some tunes about being grateful, and talked about what we were thankful for. Listen to the two year old class telling me what they appreicated in the song "Gratitude Attitude":

>>>LISTEN TO THE THREE'S CLASS HERE

We also explored the guitar, did turkey fingerplays, danced and used the triangle for the same songs in last week's entry.

Have a beautiful, warm and blessed holiday. I'm so thankful as a teacher to be able to share the gift of music with your children, but each week their gifts to me are so much more. Hugs, smiles, and the excitement of learning are something I am so incredibly grateful for.

Week of November 22nd, 2011

Over the River and Through the Woods!

We enjoyed singing songs about thankfulness and Thanksgiving today!

An old favorite is "Over the River and Through the Woods"! I decided to add a new twist today with a little recall and art project.

First I showed the children a youtube video of the song with illustrated depictions and sign language as well. Older children learned the sign for "river" and "horse". Mrs. Grace helped us pick those motions out among others with her ASL expertise.

Here is the video we watched:

After we listened to the song several times, I asked the children to relay back to me what the horse did first before arriving at Grandma's house. We put all of the pieces together for directions and then I took the kids into the movie room where tables and large paper were set up. Together, we made "maps" to follow. The kids drew bridges, rivers, woods, hills with snow and finally Grandma's house.

If you get a chance, see the adorable drawings on display in the rec room! They really enjoyed working in groups together!

Younger children really enjoyed playing the doughnut game, a fun color and counting singing game with laminated doughnuts. I can't seem to find a clip of this song with the tune online but it is alot of fun and the children always enjoy the songs where they get to hold something tangible (and everyone loves donuts)!