"Oh, I want to be in THAT number!!"

This week was packed full of MLK Jr. songs, in a variety of styles. 4th grade listened to a more formal song, while grades 2-4 did "Alabama, Mississippi" and "When the saints go marching in."

"Alabama, Mississippi" was special in that MLK helped create the song himself. Here, 3rd graders march and sing "When the saints," and when the lyrics for a number come up, I would hold up a number. Then students formed circles with that number of classmates in the circle, followed by a pat/clap pattern about MLK involving eighth and sixteenth notes. Generally we'd start off in 2s, 3s, 4s. It was fun to hold up the class number "13" and see the whole group get together, as pictured right. The game took teamwork and awareness, and it was great to see students' enjoyment.

We also managed to sneak in some performances this week. 2nd grade performed their MLK song/rhythmic chant in a surprise performance for their teachers, then at the MLK assembly. The piece was in rondo form (ABACA). It was a fantastic week for our 2nd graders!

3rd grade snuck in a surprise performance for Mrs. Anderson with "When the saints" and "Great Big House in New Orleans," in which they sung and played on the xylos. Bravo!