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Being a kindergarten music teacher for an hour is quick. It is a lot of fun and really rewarding. There is a lot of work in preparation for the next day of each week. The children look forward to our time together, learning all about music.
I usually start rhythm and music class with a kind of narrative gesture. I say. “Good Morning Class.” The response is usually a typical response: “Good morning, Mrs. Rogers.” When I tell them that I am going to go out and come back in with the face of a teacher and try again, that is when I know that I have their attention and cooperation. Children are very flexible when you change variables and come back with a quiet greeting or out loud. They will definitely copy you with their answer with a lot of enthusiasm!
Then I proceed with the following talking points:
1. What is music?
2. What is rhythm?
I start by explaining that music is like reading notes, not lyrics. We talked about music on the radio and a CD. You listen to music in bands and orchestras. One boy wanted to add to the discussion that he listens to music when birds sing, while another girl added that her dad plays music on television.
After a while, we introduce you that music is like your heartbeat and that some notes are played more slowly than others. It is at this point that I approach the piano or keyboard and play some songs that children are familiar with and that are examples of a slow song, such as Away In The Manger. We move on to fast songs like Pop! Goes the Weasel and Yankee Doodle. We then circle to The Wheels on the Bus. There are tons of nursery rhymes available for you to use.
It is at this point that I begin to talk in depth about how to teach young people about musical notes. We name the notes, talk about how many beats correspond to that particular note, and then practice clapping.
Then, within the first part of the hour, the children have an introduction to a Quarter Note, being a black note that receives a count. Next, we have the Half Note, being a white note that receives 2 beats. Children learn patience by pausing and holding a note longer. Finally, we move on to the full note that is carried out in 4 counts.
We reviewed clapping. Then we go into the drum machine and take out the sticks. The class learns to click beats to the rhythm of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Again, there are so many great songs to choose from. If we have time, we move on to other rhythmic instruments.
Towards the end of the hour, I enjoy introducing the children to a music game. We played “I Spy The Whole Note” with fake magnifying glasses. I like to put flashcards around the room and have the children close their eyes. On the count of three, the cards are turned over, with their eyes open, the children begin their search for what a complete note looks like. It’s fun to teach a kindergarten music class.