Submitted by Cathy L. Walker, Clarksburg, West Virginia
Idea posted June 18, 2004
It is often difficult to begin the year with a new group of students. (I teach music to third, fourth, and fifth grades students at Nutter Fort Intermediate.) New students are often hesitant to sing when we meet for the first time each year. This game has helped to break the ice at the beginning of the year:
When the students come to my room for the first time, they will find a 3" x 5" neon notecard under their chair. On each card there are a few words to a song with which they are familiar. Upon the signal, the students silently wander around the room until they find the five phrases that go together to begin a song. I always talk to their classroom teacher to choose some of their favorite songs. Some of them are easy, while others are more difficult. For example:
Card 1: If you're happy...
Card 2: and you know it...
Card 3: clap your...
Card 4: hands...
Card 5: clap, clap!
When the students have all of the parts for their song, they sit in a group. Then, the whole class sings the songs that they put together. They really seem to enjoy the game, and it is a wonderful way for me to meet my new students!