Submitted by Patricia Oeste, NBCT, Conway, Arkansas
Idea posted May 13, 2003
This was kind of a spur of the moment idea for Kindergarten, and it worked really well.
I selected four different sounds on the digital piano; drum, cowbell, tambourine, and wind chimes. Each sound had its own "movement." In my case, drum was sit on your bottoms, cowbell was stand up, wind chimes was lay down, and tambourine was wave your hand. I played the sounds, and the kids responded in kind. When they had that down, we switched to the "real" instruments and matched the true instrument to the digital sound. I showed them how to play those instruments. Then, I had four students come up and I conducted them. The students on the floor did the appropriate movements. If the students on the floor did the wrong movement, they were out and went to sit on the risers. When there were just four left, these students got a turn to play the instruments. When they had this down, I selected a student to "conduct." I got out the small tuxedo with tails, and they looked the part! They were attentive, they listened, and THEY FOLLOWED DIRECTIONS!
Hint: You can buy tuxedo tails cheaply from formal wear stores during their annual sell-offs. I got several for $5.00 each! Yes, they have adult sizes, satin vests ($3.00 each), bow ties, cummerbunds, and top hats - everything! I go every year, and I have quite a stash by now! Check it out in your area.