Three Little Buffaloes

by Teresa Jennings

Rounds are a great way to get kids singing in parts. For young kids, the simpler and more natural feeling the round, the better. In the case of a new, unfamiliar round, it's particularly smart to have them sing the song in unison first. Then when they repeat it, that's the time to break into a round.

In "Three Little Buffaloes," there are only two parts to the round, as this is more approachable for younger students. You can help by giving cues to each group as they enter, of course. But, assigning a helper to focus on leading one of the groups while you lead the other is also a good way to keep singers on track. This could be an older student if your singers are too young.

Though this is a primary piece, you might also consider using this with your beginning guitar students. The only two chords are D and G, which have simple versions with fewer strings. Have them strum along with an easy pattern, such as quarter notes on beats 2 and 4.

Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.