Currently during our RHYTHM RUMBLE music class we are using the theme of Jungle to create our musical learning focus. The theme is a great one for imitating animals and an easy subject matter for young children to connect with.
We have been working all year on developing Childrens understanding of tempo, timbre, dynamics, and pitch so as the end of the year is nearing, our lessons are a culmination of all these elements. Our main learning outcome is music appreciation and understanding the differences in tempo, dynamics, and intervals.
Music appreciation looks deeper into the logistics of music making and takes a step further, such as emotional comprehension and how to interpret the sounds with your body and heart.
During this particular lesson we are using 3 pieces to create this understanding
Carnival of the Animals: V Elephants – Camille Saint-Saëns.listen here
Using a scarf it is always best to tell a story for the children to ignite their imagination.
Prior to handing out our scarves I play about 30 secs of the music and ask the children to listen very carefully. Then I asked them if it a slow song or fast? Loud or soft? I always paint a picture with words of a jungle with a big elephant and his trunk. Lets use the scarf as a trunk. Can you show me how you would walk like an elephant? and then I replay the music. This activity works only if there is an opposing piece of music to compare their body movement to which is Ma mère l’oye, for piano, 4 hands (or orchestra), M. 60 – Ravel
listen here
In stark contrast to moving like an elephant, the next piece of music is more serene and flowing. Again I create a story of a snake slithering through the long grass. The children listen to the music and change the way they interpret the music and move their body in line with what they hear. It is truly magical being a part of the creative process of Children.
Carnival of the Animals: IX Cuckoo in the heart of the woods – Camille Saint-Saëns listen here
has a very distinct motif flowing through the piece. This activity is aimed at our Kinders. They sit in a circle and every time they hear the motif they tap their knees and sing the cuckoo sound. We are working on listening and tapping for a few weeks, and then working up to walking around the room as a cuckoo bird and pausing to sing the motif “cuckoo” sound. So far it has been working brilliantly as the children sing the interval in perfect pitch and are so in the moment while listening for the cuckoo sound. I guess this could also be used a a mindfulness activity for the strength it has in keeping the children in the present moment has been astounding to me while I witness it.
Teaching young children how to interpret different kinds of music leads to a greater understanding of creativity. Moving in different ways eg. stomping and slithering like a snake has wonderful affects on their motors skills and creates a greater appreciation and understanding of music.
EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators – Children engage in a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts.
EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity – Children feel safe secure and supported.
Happy music making
Lola
Rhythm Rumble 