Anyone have ideas for what "theme" they're going to make their model words from yet? I've done animals before, so that's out... I've been toying with bugs, flowers... hmm.
Ideas? Inspiration?
Basically, I'm sitting here procrastinating because my lesson planning around a crazy schedule is making my head hurt ...
Miss you all!
Hey Annie (and everyone else),
ReplyDeleteI was just coming on to type out a question about themes. I'm glad I saw your post first.
I'm planning on doing the water theme. I was steering away from it, because it seemed too obvious, in light of the course. But then I decided I don't need to prove anything by making it challenging for myself. So I'm going with the water theme.
I too am wondering who else is planning on using a theme. If anyone else decides on water, please let me know; I'd like to compare lists of songs, poems, rhymes, stories, etc.
Rob
Hey guys!
ReplyDeleteAnnie - maybe geography (mountains, plains, wetlands, deserts, jungles, islands, etc.)?
Rob- I'm planning on doing a water theme this year too, why remake the wheel? =) I'm still in the process of coming up with a list of songs and such and am using a lot of what we did in class, but some additional songs I've come up with so far are: Down by the Bay, Baby Beluga, Wade in the Water, Rain on the Green Grass, rain/go away (I have a really nice arrangement of this with 3 part voices/recorders, I can send it your way if you'd like!) and that's about as far as I've gone(not much, I know!)
I was also wondering, anyone else who is doing a water theme, any good ideas for a bulletin board? (aside for the obvious "Splash into the new school year!" lol)?
At the risk of seeming a little goofy, I'll share part of a brainstormed list of ideas that I've been jotting down over the last few days. Some have water in them, others it's implied...
ReplyDeleteJack and Jill
Itsy Bitsy Spider
1,2,3,4,5 (once I caught a fish alive -- Kriske and DeLelles have an activity in "3rd Rhyme")
At the Bottom of the Sea (Amidons)
Land of the Silver Birch (Level I notes)
My Paddle's Keen and Bright (can partner with "Silver Birch")
There's a Hole in My Bucket
Draw a Bucket of Water
The Rattlin' Bog (E. Nichols has an Orff arr.)
The Erie Canal (a good NY state song)
Down the River (K&D have an activity in "American as Apple Pie")
Jump Josie ("We're sailing down the river..." Tossi Aaron has a version of this)
Over the River and through the woods
Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore
The Water is Wide
Ain't Gonna Rain No More
I've also spent time thinking about choral music, but that list is kind of specific to my library at school. If you want the list let me know.
A song that I have wanted to use for years is "Wave over Wave" by Great Big Sea. I think I would need to tweak the words, but since I can't find an arrangement anywhere, this one would take me some time.
It's fun to think about other potential recorded songs for movement and dance.
As my list grows, I'll send updates if you like. Just let me know.
I've decided on flowers for model words, but I guess the overarching theme will be growing.
ReplyDeleteMy kids started brainstorming the list, and boy let me tell you I was shocked at the amount and variety of flowers they were coming up with! I'll keep you all posted... I think it will turn out nicely!
Annie,
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of song ideas for you. Last year the Amidons came to my school. They suggested that I teach the kids a few songs before they arrived. Both of them worked quite well with movement. "All I Really Need," which is think is by Raffi, has verses which are all about growing and growing things. The other is a song called, "From the Seed in the Ground" by a Connie Kaldor. There's a sample of this on the Amidon's website.
This link might take you directly to it or paste it into your browser:
http://www.amidonmusic.com/mp3/ASongInMyHeart/20%20From%20the%20Seed%20in%20the%20Ground%201.mp3
They gave me some simple sheet music for both songs (although not in the same keys as the recordings). If you are interested in either I'm sure you can write to Peter through the website, or please let me know and I'd be happy to check with him to find out where you can get a legal copy of the music.
I was surprised that all of the kids (K-5) loved singing and moving to both of these songs.
Rob