Song of the Month
Every month the song/dance/activity will change. Many of the songs will be from my Recordings. Please print the page and do the activity with your child. Teachers may print the page to use with their classes. If you have questions, Contact Me.
July 2012
I Am A Fine Musician
Listen to the whole song on Sticky Bubble Gum, or hear it here:
Let's make some music this Summer! Making music outdoors is magically freeing. Check out my blog about how to make a MUSIC WALL at PreK and K Sharing on July 16, 2012. I haven't gotten my own wall finished as this goes up, but see Ms Sue's excellent wall on my blog!
Here's a great song to go with it – you can sing and play, or sing the chorus and play on the "I play the..." parts. Of course, you don't have to have a Music Wall or be outdoors to have an excellent time with this song. I pass out 3 instruments to each child, asking them to put them on the floor to start. This encourages them to listen closely to know what instrument to pick up and play for each verse.
If you don't have enough of each instrument for each child to have them all, pass out the instruments you have, and every verse will not be an "all play" – which is fine. It may take a few times to get the idea that not everyone plays on every verse, but it's a great exercise in taking turns.
Though I use bells, drums and shakers on my recording – please use whatever you have – cymbals, claves or rhythm sticks, wooden blocks, or homemade instruments!. Be sure to include a final verse for everyone to play and sing!
| Lyrics: | I am a fine musician, that's what people say (repeat with bells, shakers - or other instruments) Final verse: |
Age Range: 2 – 6 year olds (with younger students, use just 2 instruments to begin – add as they become proficient.)
Purpose: Learning to take turns during music time is a skill that transfers to many other aspects of early learning. In this song, you also work with singing, then playing. This division of tasks involves listening and following directions. In my classes, I find it helps children who aren't good at following modeled behavior, or watching the teacher for cues.
Resources: For egg shakers, claves and bells I recommend either RhythmBand or WestMusic. I make drums out of baby wipes containers – empty, clean, tape closed. To make bottle shakers, check out "The Shaker Hop" – February 2012's Song of the Month.
... AND CHECK OUT THAT MUSIC WALL!!! You'll want one, too!