First graders have been working on lots of movement to show form and expression. Some of these activities are called fingerplays.
"These activities help children experience the expressive qualities in music through movement. At the same time, these activities enable children to experience musical form through organized movement. Classical musical examples, songs, and rhymes can be used. When using songs and rhymes, the motions should be performed in the expressive spirit of the song or rhyme and vice versa." - Dr. John Feierabend in First Steps in Music
One song we have been working on is "Do Your Ears Hang Low?" Ask your child to sing the song with motions for you.
Do your ears hang low?
Do they wobble to and fro?
Can you tie them in a knot?
Can you tie them in a bow?
Can you throw them over your shoulder
Like a continental soldier?
Do your ears hang low?
Hear Mrs. Gallant's class perform this song here:
