Monday, April 19, 2010

Mother's Day Tell Me a Story, Duet

Mother, Tell Me a Story

This is a great "stand alone" or adult and children duet. I like to have the children sing by themselves then teachers or a few mothers (alto).

1st phrase: close your hands and open like a book, then point to your ear.

2nd phrase: point up to heaven then point down to earth.

3rd phrase: cross your arms across yourself as to give a hug, then point to your mouth. Most children miss the word "how." Make a word strip with "HOW" on it and hold it up as you finish the 2nd phrase to help remind them.

4th phrase: put your hands together next to your cheek and lean that way as if you were sleeping.

The children like these simple actions. If your use the adult duet part, make sure you practice with the children so they know what it sounds like and what to expect.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Mother's Day

I Often Go Walking:
Cut out one or more:
  • green clovers (shamrocks will do)
  • blue flowers
  • several different flower shapes (different colors)
  • bouquet of flowers (artificial, real or paper)
Idea 1
Have a child or a few children hold up:
  • the clover as you sing the first phrase.
  • blue flowers as you sing the second phrase.
  • several different flowers as you sing the third phrase.
  • bouquet of flowers as you sing the forth phrase.
Idea 2
Once they know the song:
  • 1st phrase - walk in place through the clover
  • 2nd phrase - play like you are gathering armfuls of blossoms
  • 3rd phrase - play like you are picking one flower at a time
  • 4th phrase - play like you are giving the bouquet to Mother
Idea 3
Trade every other phrase:
  • boys then girls
  • half the room then the other half
  • teachers then children
  • children then piano