Wow, it has been awhile! Life got in the way there for a moment (more like a year lol) and I haven't been able to focus on blogging. But I am back everybody! And as excited as ever to be sharing again :)
Now that I have that out of the way....here's a Back-to-School, easy-breezy activity! A wonderful teacher in my district shared this gem at a meeting and has allowed me to share with all of you! Thanks, Karen!!
"Yakety Yak" by The Coasters is a wonderfully playful song about a parent listing off chores that their teenager needs to complete, with the child, in true pubescent fashion, responding "Yakety yak!", followed by the parent retorting "Don't talk back!"
Day 1:
First, I start by playing the song for the students and leading a discussion of its meaning.
First, I start by playing the song for the students and leading a discussion of its meaning.
Once we have discussed the meaning and how we shouldn't talk back to our parents, we practice some motions!
I ask the students to look at the slide above and ask, "What 'action words' do we have?". Next, I ask them, "What do you think those motions look like?". Then, I continue with how many times will we be doing the first three (Out, Floor, and Shoulders) and so on. We practice "Out" (hands out in the air like you are going to give a high ten to a friend), "Floor" (pat the floor), and "Shoulders" (tap the shoulders) to a steady beat on a drum. We combine the three movements when we get to "out, knees, shoulders, titi ta". Students will do each motion once for this portion then clap "titi ta" followed by three rests before repeating the entire A section. Once comfortable, I transition to having the students pair up to practice with the "out" motion now being a partner clap.
The last thing I do for Day One of this activity is to add Lummi or rhythm sticks. Students will now tap their partner's Lummi sticks for "Out". Everything else stays the same. The students practice and perform with the music.
Day 2:
For our second day, we review the A section, then practice line-by-line the rhythm of the B section. Students may also choose to improvise this section for an added challenge. Finally, the students will perform the entire piece!
*Optional Idea for FUN*
My music teacher boyfriend (I know, I'm so lucky to have one!) had his students use a pool noodle "light saber" instead of the Lummi sticks, which made for an absolute blast! It did create some management issues, but also pumped up the fun!
Here is a slide with a learning goal and scale to keep everybody on track!
This has a been a wonderful lesson to review form, rhythm, and steady beat! I have used this for Fifth grade, though it could easily be used for 3rd-6th graders.
Hope you are all having a wonderful start to your school year!
