Tool Time

Here’s a sampling of activities we’ve done so far in music to supplement students’ learning about tools. I haven’t been bold enough to have the kids experiment with using standard tools as instruments, instead using and studying the “tools” we have in the music room, as they are a bit less likely to lead to injury….

Kindergartners enjoyed learning various songs about tools, and then finding instruments in the music room that most sounded like the tools to accompany their singing and chanting. The class favorite was “Johnny Works with One Hammer.” Not satisfied with just using five hammers (hands, feet, and head keeping the beat while singing), they extended the song to 21 hammers –fingers, toes and head hammering simultaneously. Giggles ensued.

1/2 students are composing rhythmic interludes for a song based on the rhyme “There’s Music In a Hammer.” Students worked in groups to arrange names of tools and their corresponding note values to make rhythmic patterns and transfer the patterns to their bodies and instruments. Next week: performances!

3/4 students are becoming quite accomplished at accompanying their singing on the barred instruments. It’s such a treat when we finish a song and they exclaim, “That was great! Let’s do it again!” beaming with pride. This month, we’re taking it a step further, by working together to arrange our own accompaniment for “This Old Hammer.” I’m hoping the arrangement will be simple enough that the 1/2 classes will be able to play it successfully.

5/6 students have eagerly taken to working in a drum circle. We are lucky to have seven student conga drums, 17 hand drums, and a full set of other percussion tools, such as cowbells, maracas, and a suspended cymbal, in our music room. I have seen a great improvement in student motivation and focus Students have been able to accurately play some complex rhythms, and really get “in the groove” every now and again.