With all this distance learning taking place, I have been making sure to stop into classroom zoom meetings when I can. Last week I found out that a class was learning about salmon! I always loved teaching my salmon unit and of course have a song for that. I was happy to join fourth graders today and sing my salmon song to them on a zoom class meeting. It was good to play  and have an audience, even if it was virtual!

For over 15 years I have been a part of a school. With the school closure I feel lost as probably many educators do. We are used to connecting with students, families, and other staff members on a daily basis. Now, were are working from home, seeing students and staff on computers and trying to connect as best we can with families. I miss the hustle and bustle of a typical school day and I miss the students….. so I was inspired to change the words to the “Cup Song” to shed light on this situation. We shared it on our school Facebook page as well and it has had over 1,500 views.  Enjoy……

This is an interesting time as an educator, I find myself missing the children’s laughter and energy filling our hallways. With school being in a hold status during the uncertain effects of COVID-19, students are home…….. As a classroom and music teacher, I know how difficult it can be for students to be separated from their teacher and not be able to engage in learning opportunities daily. In this post I have compiled a list of easy to do (mostly free) music activities.

1. Listen to the radio: Do you have a radio in your home? Can you have Alexa turn on iheartradio? Students can listen to songs and do a variety of activities while listening. They can journal feelings that the song invokes, draw pictures, listen for certain instruments and try to clap along to the beat. Of course you are not restricted to radio, any music will do!  Music can also reduce stress, and in these stressful times……. relaxation is key.

2. Create Instruments: Look through the recycling bin at home. What could be used           to make a sound? Check out an old post for the “Earthquake Shaker” if you need                 inspiration. Plastic containers, tin cans, toilet paper tubes and bottles all have the               ability to make a great instrument. You can also fill glass glasses with water at                     different levels. Tap the glasses with metal silverware. What tones can be created?

3. Create a rhythm pattern: Something the whole family can do together is create a                rhythm pattern. Here is an example to get you started, but go ahead and explore                with your own twist!

Person 1: clap, clap, clap, clap- keep it steady!

Person 2: snap x x snap x x snap x x snap x x – xx is a rest, no snapping there!

Person 3: stomp clap, stomp clap, stomp clap, stomp clap -this is a quick one!

Person 4: pop x x x pop x x x pop x x x pop x x x – the pop is created with your lips!

Put it all together and see how you do. When you feel successful, shake it up a bit and add something new!

4. Borrow a tune: Music can help alleviate anxiety for children. Can you and your child make up some fun songs about their day? Borrowing a familiar tune is a great way to start creating your own music. For example: Using the familiar melody for Row, Row, Row your Boat…… change the words and you have a catchy stress free song.

Wash, wash, wash your hands                                                                                                                                            Keep them nice and clean.                                                                                                                                                  This will keep you healthy and safe,                                                                                                                                                    From COVID-19.

A virus is an icky bug,                                                                                                                                                            You can catch from anything.                                                                                                                                            Be sure to keep 6 feet away.                                                                                                                                                For social distancing!

2020 Tundra Berry Jams

 

Enjoy and Have Fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a good time at the 31st annual Anchorage Folk Festival last weekend. We were able to squeeze in 5 original songs! The girls were a little under the weather, but we did it! Sporting our new Alaska Fish and Game sweatshirts from Christmas, we played some old favorites and debuted a new song, “I Need a Nap.” This song was dusted off and revived from my collection of original works. You can hear our set here.

We did not have a videographer in the audience this year, but we are thankful that the Folk Festival committee does such a wonderful job of recording each set.

 

 

I had the pleasure of hosting another workshop for the Anchorage Folk Festival. This workshop was titled Alaska Children’s Songs, and featured my original songs and activities to accompany each one. For over an hour children engaged in singing and creating music! Participants ranged from ages 1 to adult and over 30 people filled the room. They upgraded us to a larger space this year and it was a wonderful turn out.

Students created their own “Earthquake Shaker” from an empty toilet paper roll, beans, and duct tape. Directions can be found in here.  

Can’t wait for next year and sharing more music with youth!