Pass the Yoda

I was at Knowlton with Melanie Bruse this week, and she did such a fun singing game with her class. I asked her if I could video it to share on the blog. She likes to use this singing game becuase it's very flexible on length (great for an end of class activity), and it gives students great practice with beat and rhythm. I also love how positive and encouraging Melanie is with her students. Thanks, Melanie, for sharing!

Check out how Melanie had her students form into a circle. She gave them clear directions while allowing them to think and problem solve. 

Some other great things about the way Melanie taught this:

• she asked the students to listen first, especially if there was ambiguity.Students learn through repetition with meaning
• She gave physical ques as well as verbal prompts, such as "raise your hand" while she physically raised her hand to show the students how she'd like them to answer. She immedietly reinforced her expectations.
• Students were given choice: they could use body percussion, the floor, etc.
• She gave specific feedback..."That was cool. Do you know why it was cool? Becuase we were all together."
• Students were moving to the beat the very first time she modeled the song.
• Pacing was quick between repititions so that the students remained engaged.
• Melanie added in ti-ti and ta to represent the rhythms. Words help students connect movement and rhythm together. The more modes of learning we can intruduce, the better!

I've underlined everything in the Desk Standards the students experienced in this short singing game below:

The students were also composing and improvising, taking turns, and listening analytically. Can you think of any other skills or concepts we could add to the list?