Submitted by Daniel J. Fee, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Idea posted April 23, 2010

I just wanted to share something I've been doing for the past few weeks when I introduce/teach a new song. It's called "Give Me Five."

I initially explain to the students that they are able to know many things about a new song, even if they've never heard it. (I might point out a few - title, how many beats per measure, patterns that repeat, etc.) Then I say "Give me five," which meansthey offer five things about the song that they already know... even though they've never sung it.

I've been getting the most remarkable responses! (e.g., There are 8 sets of eighth notes, the highest pitch is in staff two, there's a repeat sign, it's an American Folk Song, etc.)

At first, I played the song once - no words - and told them to "Give me five" after just hearing the song once... no words. This week, I've asked them to "Give me five" without hearing the melody... nothin'.

They seem to like this new procedure... and are telling me they've ready to "Give me TEN!"