Welcome Little Shepherd's Community!
Good morning, Little Shepherd community!
Welcome to our Winter Session with Miss Savanna! You may remember Miss Savanna as she has subbed for Miss Erin a few times. She is an excellent and magical teacher! We are excited to share her talents with you all! I will still be making appearances with some story songs and games, (and perhaps subbing here and there) so, I will still get to see you all!!
And...hopefully, with vaccines on the horizon, we will be able to meet in person soon! I know how much Miss Erin has missed you all!!!
So, without further adieu, let's get this show on the road! Enjoy!
xo
-Miss Cathy :)
Welcome to our Winter Session with Miss Savanna! You may remember Miss Savanna as she has subbed for Miss Erin a few times. She is an excellent and magical teacher! We are excited to share her talents with you all! I will still be making appearances with some story songs and games, (and perhaps subbing here and there) so, I will still get to see you all!!
And...hopefully, with vaccines on the horizon, we will be able to meet in person soon! I know how much Miss Erin has missed you all!!!
So, without further adieu, let's get this show on the road! Enjoy!
xo
-Miss Cathy :)
We are so excited to share music with you again- even if from afar!!
We hope you enjoy the videos of class here. Revisit them throughout the Fall Session as often as you like. Our only request is that you do not share this link/your access outside of the Little Shepherd's community of families.
We will include a list of instruments and props that you may want to gather for the most immersive class, but just know that we will keep it simple (while still being a rich and engaging experience). Truly there are no worries if you do not have these particular items- tapping hands on legs can be a drum, rubbing hands together can be sand blocks, imaginations are often better than any prop!
And, if you want some fun musical projects prior to class, we will include some links or suggestions to be able to create your own instruments for class. Are you ready?? Let's do this!!!!
-Miss Cathy :)
This is from week #9 on:
Welcome to the last few weeks of our Fall Session!
Thank you for your patience as we have figured out how to best provide you with quality classes from afar!! We so hope you are enjoying the videos and the kids are getting a lot out of them.
Just to give you a heads up that we have cleaned up this page a bit, and will be keeping it a bit more simple, leaving only a few weeks up at a time. But, feel free to revisit any video that is on here as often as works for your classrooms. Our only request is that you do not share this link/your access outside of Little Shepherd's Learning Center.
Again, no worries if you do not have the instruments that we list to gather for the week. Most of the time there are easy substitutions, and even tapping hands on legs can be a drum, rubbing hands together can be sand blocks, and imaginations are often better than any prop! If you all have been enjoying the musical projects, I will continue to include some links or suggestions to be able to create your own instruments for class.
Are you ready for more?? Let's do this!!!!
-Miss Cathy :)
Welcome to the last few weeks of our Fall Session!
Thank you for your patience as we have figured out how to best provide you with quality classes from afar!! We so hope you are enjoying the videos and the kids are getting a lot out of them.
Just to give you a heads up that we have cleaned up this page a bit, and will be keeping it a bit more simple, leaving only a few weeks up at a time. But, feel free to revisit any video that is on here as often as works for your classrooms. Our only request is that you do not share this link/your access outside of Little Shepherd's Learning Center.
Again, no worries if you do not have the instruments that we list to gather for the week. Most of the time there are easy substitutions, and even tapping hands on legs can be a drum, rubbing hands together can be sand blocks, and imaginations are often better than any prop! If you all have been enjoying the musical projects, I will continue to include some links or suggestions to be able to create your own instruments for class.
Are you ready for more?? Let's do this!!!!
-Miss Cathy :)
Week of November 9th, 2020
Wow! What an historic week this has been! We hope that you all enjoy this week's videos!
Here is what you can gather for this week's class:
Guiros Guiros are Latin instruments with ridges that you use a striker to rub against. They make a nice ratcheting kind of sound. The ones that we use in class are wooden and also act as shakers. Here is a link to one like we will be using, in case you want to see it: Meinl NINO Guiro Shaker. BUT, there are some great (and easy) alternatives!
And here are a handful of fun projects, using simple household items, if you want to make your own guiros for the kids to have at school!
Family Jam: Any instruments As always, bring a small variety of instruments for the kids to jam along with our fun song!
Lullaby: And, of course, a lovey or stuffed animal, if they want to snuggle with it for my lullaby!
After Class Enrichment: Chicken Cup Notation: I am doing Chicken Cup Notation again for the older kids and it is something that you can play around with at the Center (if you want). I use 3 different sizes of plastic cups (S,M & L) and equate them with a 1/8th note, a 1/4 and a 1/2 note chicken sound. (PHONICS!!!). We start simple and build from there, mixing up the cups as we go along. It is fun, challenging and really helps with the beginnings of reading! You can play around with this idea with anything that you have that is similar, but different sizes (blocks works really well). This is a great activity that connects an image to a sound, like letters connect with the sound of that letter.
Here is what you can gather for this week's class:
Guiros Guiros are Latin instruments with ridges that you use a striker to rub against. They make a nice ratcheting kind of sound. The ones that we use in class are wooden and also act as shakers. Here is a link to one like we will be using, in case you want to see it: Meinl NINO Guiro Shaker. BUT, there are some great (and easy) alternatives!
And here are a handful of fun projects, using simple household items, if you want to make your own guiros for the kids to have at school!
- Water Bottle Guiros: This is the easiest of the projects that we are including. It is using an empty water bottle as a guiro. You can fill the water bottle with fun, colorful things (that maybe could also make it a shaker!) and decorate it, but you don't even need to do that!! Here is a link to a fun video where after she makes the guiro, she explores different genres of music! (So, might be a fun one to watch with the kids) https://youtu.be/td9rnS6MAnE
- Tin Can Guiros: Tin cans make wonderful guiros, since they already have ridges and are sturdy and unbreakable. You can use one, take the label off and call it done. But, if want to create an easy-to-do project for a more permanent instrument, here are some other options. The videos are, shall we say, a little (a lot) long-winded, but you'll be able to see the idea being demoed (fast-forward will be your friend).
- 2 Cans: guiro/shaker combo: Take 2 cans, open and empty them. Refill a portion with anything small like rice, lentils, gravel ... and duck tape the two open ends together. They sound AMAZING! https://youtu.be/TZyYQ50AYcE
- 2 Cans: straight hollow guiro you can also take 2 cans, empty them, and duck tape the 2 CLOSED ends together to create a hollow guiro, which also sounds incredible! He used masking tape, which the kids could them decorate with markers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUS8JBjUneY&feature=youtu.be
Family Jam: Any instruments As always, bring a small variety of instruments for the kids to jam along with our fun song!
Lullaby: And, of course, a lovey or stuffed animal, if they want to snuggle with it for my lullaby!
After Class Enrichment: Chicken Cup Notation: I am doing Chicken Cup Notation again for the older kids and it is something that you can play around with at the Center (if you want). I use 3 different sizes of plastic cups (S,M & L) and equate them with a 1/8th note, a 1/4 and a 1/2 note chicken sound. (PHONICS!!!). We start simple and build from there, mixing up the cups as we go along. It is fun, challenging and really helps with the beginnings of reading! You can play around with this idea with anything that you have that is similar, but different sizes (blocks works really well). This is a great activity that connects an image to a sound, like letters connect with the sound of that letter.
- Hello
- Animals in Concert
- Amazing World (with guiros)
- Funky Chicken (featuring Charlotte the Chicken)
- Chicken Notation (for older kids only)
- I Don't Like it, I Love it (Kids Bop)
- Little Birds
- Goodbye
Infant to Younger Toddler Ages
Older Toddler to Preschool Ages
Week of November 2nd, 2020
For of all, we are SO SORRY about the glitch that happened last week with having access to the videos!!!!
We were able to solve the tech problem pretty quickly, but hope that it didn't affect when you were able to have your music classes!!! We understand how tricky scheduling can be with little ones, as well as just disappointing them if they were excited to start music class. Hopefully it all worked out!
Here is what you can gather for this week's class:
Drums: We're using drums again! And if you don't have a drum, or enough drums to go around, anything can be a drum substitute: tupperware, big water jug (these make excellent drum sounds!), oatmeal or protein powder cannister, large coffee tin...all make great drums. If it's hollow inside and has space for little hands to easily hit, then you have a drum. Yay!!! (But, even the floor can work, so if you show up empty-handed, no worries!)
Optional DIY Drum Projects:
Coffee Tin (Or any container):
We suggest doing the Method 2: Using a Coffee Tin (the second project) as these are things you may already have around the center or children could bring them from home (and it could be another type of container besides a coffee tin). https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Drums-for-Kids ( We also think that the drum in this link that uses a balloon head, looks pretty cool. So, if you happen to have larger balloons on hand, we've heard great things about this project)
Den Den Drum: If you didn't get a chance to make the Den Den drum from a couple of weeks ago, but you would still like to give it a whirl, here are those links again:
+ Note that we haven't done this yet!!
Hula Hoop/or scarf/ or ribbon, etc: We are going to Carnival in Brazil!! I will be using a hula hoop as a prop to express the colorful fun that Carnival is, but, if you do not have hula hoops, anything that feels colorful and festive, like a scarf, baton, ribbons, etc will be perfect! Or just dance and have a good time!
Family Jam: Any instruments As always, bring a small variety of instruments for the kids to jam along with our fun song!
Lullaby: And, of course, a lovey or stuffed animal, if they want to snuggle with it for my lullaby!
We were able to solve the tech problem pretty quickly, but hope that it didn't affect when you were able to have your music classes!!! We understand how tricky scheduling can be with little ones, as well as just disappointing them if they were excited to start music class. Hopefully it all worked out!
Here is what you can gather for this week's class:
Drums: We're using drums again! And if you don't have a drum, or enough drums to go around, anything can be a drum substitute: tupperware, big water jug (these make excellent drum sounds!), oatmeal or protein powder cannister, large coffee tin...all make great drums. If it's hollow inside and has space for little hands to easily hit, then you have a drum. Yay!!! (But, even the floor can work, so if you show up empty-handed, no worries!)
Optional DIY Drum Projects:
Coffee Tin (Or any container):
We suggest doing the Method 2: Using a Coffee Tin (the second project) as these are things you may already have around the center or children could bring them from home (and it could be another type of container besides a coffee tin). https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Drums-for-Kids ( We also think that the drum in this link that uses a balloon head, looks pretty cool. So, if you happen to have larger balloons on hand, we've heard great things about this project)
Den Den Drum: If you didn't get a chance to make the Den Den drum from a couple of weeks ago, but you would still like to give it a whirl, here are those links again:
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpBYrbrnYTM This version is made with paper plates (I would use lunch-sized plates or even smaller rather than the large ones they are using here), rods (or pencils) yard and beads. These are fun to paint and decorate, too!
- https://handsonaswegrow.com/diy-hand-drum-craft/ This version is a little sturdier and made with a cardboard circle about 2 1/2-3" If you don't have heavy cardboard sheets at the center, you might try using cereal boxes. (I used a snack-sized Pringles can and it worked out perfectly- see image)
+ Note that we haven't done this yet!!
Hula Hoop/or scarf/ or ribbon, etc: We are going to Carnival in Brazil!! I will be using a hula hoop as a prop to express the colorful fun that Carnival is, but, if you do not have hula hoops, anything that feels colorful and festive, like a scarf, baton, ribbons, etc will be perfect! Or just dance and have a good time!
Family Jam: Any instruments As always, bring a small variety of instruments for the kids to jam along with our fun song!
Lullaby: And, of course, a lovey or stuffed animal, if they want to snuggle with it for my lullaby!
Videos Week #9
1. Hello
2. A Mouse in a Little House
3. 5 Frogs (with Drums)
5. Little Red Hen
6. Sing! (by Pentatonix)
7. Thula Baba
8. Goodbye
2. A Mouse in a Little House
3. 5 Frogs (with Drums)
5. Little Red Hen
6. Sing! (by Pentatonix)
7. Thula Baba
8. Goodbye
Infant to Younger Toddler Ages
Older Toddler to Preschool Ages
Week of October 26th, 2020
I hope that you all had fun last week with the slow (adagio) snail and the very fast (allegro) mouse. If you want to play around with moving through the classrooms or in the yard practicing moving to a slow and then a fast beat, here are the lyrics:
Garden Snail
Slowly, slowly, very slowly creeps the garden snail
Slowly, slowly, very slowly up the garden rail
Quickly, quickly, very quickly runs the little mouse
Quickly, quickly, very quickly in his little house!
Here is what you should gather for the children for this week: After the messy project last week, we are keeping it light this week! Yay!
Here are a couple of optional things you can bring to class as well, but none of these are necessary for a great class!
After Class: And here is another fun way to continue this education after class:
Garden Snail
Slowly, slowly, very slowly creeps the garden snail
Slowly, slowly, very slowly up the garden rail
Quickly, quickly, very quickly runs the little mouse
Quickly, quickly, very quickly in his little house!
Here is what you should gather for the children for this week: After the messy project last week, we are keeping it light this week! Yay!
- Family Jam: Any instruments As always, bring a small variety of instruments for the kids to jam along with our fun song!
- Lullaby: And, of course, a lovey or stuffed animal, if they want to snuggle with it for my lullaby!
Here are a couple of optional things you can bring to class as well, but none of these are necessary for a great class!
- OPTIONAL Pirate dress up: Ahoy Mateys! We are sailing the high seas in search of treasure! If any little pirates want to dress up with bandanas, eye patches or whatever suits their pirate fancy, they are welcome. But, no pressure! We LOVE pretending!!
- OPTIONAL Colored leaves: My lullaby this week is about colored Autumn leaves falling. I have some decorative Fall leaves that I will float around while I sing, so if you have any of these decorative ones, you could gently toss them over the children's heads as I sing (in person, it is really quite magical!). You could also make a point of gathering (clean) real leaves out in the play yard. But, no worries if you don't have them. The song is lovely on it's own and the children can watch me float the leaves around!
After Class: And here is another fun way to continue this education after class:
- Expand on our listening game after class: I am going to play a listening game I call "Going on a Journey" where I play different instruments out of camera view. The children will listen try to figure out either what it is, how am I playing it, what might it be made out of.... This is an enriching game that you can expand upon in your classroom, too! Critically listening to and then deciphering these sounds is not only fun, but builds so many musical skills and fires up brain synapses like nobody's business!! It doesn't even have to be instruments, either. Drum on the table, swipe your hand across a wall, shake some branches....Have fun with it!!
Videos Week #8
+++Please note that the videos this week are about 5 minutes longer than they typically are. I realize that they might be too long to keep the children's attention.
The reason is that the listening game, Going on a Journey was a very long activity. So, if you think that it might be too hard to keep their attention, feel free to split this particular song/activity into 2 watchings, (or just watch the first 7 minutes or so of it). I've included the time where it starts and ends on each of the videos below.
Thank you so much!
The reason is that the listening game, Going on a Journey was a very long activity. So, if you think that it might be too hard to keep their attention, feel free to split this particular song/activity into 2 watchings, (or just watch the first 7 minutes or so of it). I've included the time where it starts and ends on each of the videos below.
Thank you so much!
1. Hello
2. Drive my Car
3. Going on a Journey (infant/young todds:starts @9:30/ends @21:25 & Older todds/preschool:starts @9:38/ ends @24:45)
5. Blow the Man Down (Pirate song with Capt'n Katrina)
6. Tiki Tiki Tiki Room (Wayne Brady)
7. Crimson and Red (lullaby with colored leaves)
8. Goodbye
2. Drive my Car
3. Going on a Journey (infant/young todds:starts @9:30/ends @21:25 & Older todds/preschool:starts @9:38/ ends @24:45)
5. Blow the Man Down (Pirate song with Capt'n Katrina)
6. Tiki Tiki Tiki Room (Wayne Brady)
7. Crimson and Red (lullaby with colored leaves)
8. Goodbye
Infant to Younger Toddler Ages
Older Toddler to Preschool Ages
Week of October 19th, 2020
I hope that you all enjoyed last week's class and our adventure to Japan for Taiko Drumming! We will expand on that a bit in coming weeks!
Egg Shakers: Last time that we used egg shakers I shared a couple of links for making some DIY ones with toilet paper rolls (scroll way down to see those links again) . This time I thought I'd share a couple more ideas. Paper cup shakers and a more advanced project, paper mache shakers. The paper mâché shakers will really last and could be a really fun and creative project for the older children (very gluey, though!) I made this project and took a some photos of it along the way that I share in the older kid's video for the week.
And, as always, feel free to improvise with small Tupperware containers, plastic Easter Eggs, or anything that you are able to seal really well, that the children could shake. (preferably one for each hand).
Lullaby: And, of course, a lovey or stuffed animal, if they want to snuggle with it for my lullaby!
Egg Shakers: Last time that we used egg shakers I shared a couple of links for making some DIY ones with toilet paper rolls (scroll way down to see those links again) . This time I thought I'd share a couple more ideas. Paper cup shakers and a more advanced project, paper mache shakers. The paper mâché shakers will really last and could be a really fun and creative project for the older children (very gluey, though!) I made this project and took a some photos of it along the way that I share in the older kid's video for the week.
And, as always, feel free to improvise with small Tupperware containers, plastic Easter Eggs, or anything that you are able to seal really well, that the children could shake. (preferably one for each hand).
- Paper Cup Shakers: For choking safety, this should be for your older kids. I was thinking about the little paper cups that the kids use in the center. Take 2 small cups, decorate them, fill one side about 3/4 of the way full of beans, popcorn, rice, gravel...put the other one on top and tape securely closed. (You might want to double up the cups if these need to be a little sturdier).
- Paper Mache permanent shakers!: These are made with plastic Easter eggs, glue, water, soft papers (like crepe paper rolls, tissue paper, decorative napkins...)and something to put on the inside like rice, beans or popcorn. If you don't have a plastic egg, you can use a real egg (just poke a hole of about 1/4-1/2" on one side and a little hole on the other and blow out the insides. Then rinse it out. It's sturdier than you would think!). Here are 2 videos of ways to do the Paper Mache. They each have some good details, so thought I'd include both. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v38I5pB5RLU and www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5BEIKx1jaM
Lullaby: And, of course, a lovey or stuffed animal, if they want to snuggle with it for my lullaby!
Videos Week #7
1. Hello
2. Garden Snail (tempo)
3. We Are Number One - egg shakers
5. The Gruffalo
6. Its Bitsy Spider (Go Fish)
7. Forever Young (lullaby)
8. Goodbye
2. Garden Snail (tempo)
3. We Are Number One - egg shakers
5. The Gruffalo
6. Its Bitsy Spider (Go Fish)
7. Forever Young (lullaby)
8. Goodbye
Infant to Younger Toddler Ages
Older Toddler to Preschool Ages
Week of October 12th, 2020
Instruments for this week: Check below to see what we're planning on using to gather ahead of time, so that the kids can have the most immersive class!
Drums and Den Den Drums: We are heading to Japan!!
Bring any drum to class (or something that works for a drum).
AND, if you want to do this awesome project, bring your Den Den Drum, too. I came across this really fun project (and a few different versions) that I thought we could try this week. It's for a Japanese Den Den Taiko Drum. (often called just a Den Den Drum- which is really fun to say!) A Den Den Drum is a two headed drum on a rod with beads hanging on threads on either side of the body of the drum. You twist the rod between the palms of the hands causes the beads to swing and strike the heads of the drum. Drums like this are used in Japan, but also in China and all over Africa, too!
Here are 2 versions of this project: Have fun and I wish I could see your creations!
Family Jam: Any instruments Pull out a variety of instruments for the kids to jam along with our fun song!
Lullaby: And, of course, a lovey or stuffed animal, if they want to snuggle with it for our lullaby!
I so miss making music with children in person, but knowing that you are watching and having fun with the videos is making me happy!! Looking forward to seeing (well, imagining) you all next week!!!
Drums and Den Den Drums: We are heading to Japan!!
Bring any drum to class (or something that works for a drum).
AND, if you want to do this awesome project, bring your Den Den Drum, too. I came across this really fun project (and a few different versions) that I thought we could try this week. It's for a Japanese Den Den Taiko Drum. (often called just a Den Den Drum- which is really fun to say!) A Den Den Drum is a two headed drum on a rod with beads hanging on threads on either side of the body of the drum. You twist the rod between the palms of the hands causes the beads to swing and strike the heads of the drum. Drums like this are used in Japan, but also in China and all over Africa, too!
Here are 2 versions of this project: Have fun and I wish I could see your creations!
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpBYrbrnYTM This version is made with paper plates (I would use lunch-sized plates or even smaller rather than the large ones they are using here), rods (or pencils) yard and beads. These are fun to paint and decorate, too!
- https://handsonaswegrow.com/diy-hand-drum-craft/ This version is a little sturdier and made with a cardboard circle about 2 1/2-3" If you don't have heavy cardboard sheets at the center, you might try using cereal boxes. (Another option would be to slice up Pringles/snack cans if you have any handy- that is what I used and it worked great!).
Family Jam: Any instruments Pull out a variety of instruments for the kids to jam along with our fun song!
Lullaby: And, of course, a lovey or stuffed animal, if they want to snuggle with it for our lullaby!
I so miss making music with children in person, but knowing that you are watching and having fun with the videos is making me happy!! Looking forward to seeing (well, imagining) you all next week!!!
Videos Week #6
1. Hello
2. Big Green Monster
3. Taiko Drumming lesson (and slide show for the big kids)
4. Den Den Drum play along with Taiko song called "Firecrackers" (Aska Japanese Drum Troupe)
5. Carnival of the Animals Aquarium Listening Map
6. Blame it on the Stars (Andy Grammar)
7. Donguri /Rolling Acorn (Elizabeth Mitchell/Lisa Loeb)
8. Goodbye
2. Big Green Monster
3. Taiko Drumming lesson (and slide show for the big kids)
4. Den Den Drum play along with Taiko song called "Firecrackers" (Aska Japanese Drum Troupe)
5. Carnival of the Animals Aquarium Listening Map
6. Blame it on the Stars (Andy Grammar)
7. Donguri /Rolling Acorn (Elizabeth Mitchell/Lisa Loeb)
8. Goodbye
Infant to Younger Toddler Ages
Older Toddler to Preschool Ages
Week of October 5th, 2020
Instruments for this week: Check below to see what we're planning on using to gather ahead of time, so that the kids can have the most immersive class!
Rhythm Sticks: We are rocking out this week! We use 8" wooden rhythm sticks. One stick has ridges and the other is smooth. So, if you have any (safe, obviously) rhythm sticks, or shorter drum sticks/strikers, use those. But, some other options from things around the center (or kid's houses) are: spoons, wooden cooking utensils, thick magic markers (tape the tops on, so you don't end up with a mess), or thick unsharpened pencils.
Want to make your own drumsticks? Here are a couple of options:
Lullaby: If your child loves to snuggle with something, like a lovey or stuffed animal, feel free to bring it along for our lullaby!
Optional Fruit/Veggies: This is more of an activity for after class. I'll be doing a brain-stretching rhythm/syllable activity with fruit during class. We have had children love playing this "game" over the lunch/dinner table, at the grocery store,... It is a great one for introductions to rhythm concepts as well as phonological awareness (but, it just feels like fun!)
Rhythm Sticks: We are rocking out this week! We use 8" wooden rhythm sticks. One stick has ridges and the other is smooth. So, if you have any (safe, obviously) rhythm sticks, or shorter drum sticks/strikers, use those. But, some other options from things around the center (or kid's houses) are: spoons, wooden cooking utensils, thick magic markers (tape the tops on, so you don't end up with a mess), or thick unsharpened pencils.
Want to make your own drumsticks? Here are a couple of options:
- Paper rhythm sticks: You can roll up paper into about a 1" cylinder (or use the cardboard from a paper towel or toilet paper roll) and twist up a lunch-sized paper bag to insert in the roll to give it a little weight and stability. Then decorate.
- Paper Drumsticks: This video also show a fun and easy paper plate drum and the drums stick are made by just rolling up paper tightly and taping it! But, there are decorating possibilities! www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyIPzsjH5pg
- Soft Head Toddler Drumsticks: This is really an adult project, so not sure that you all would want to do this one- BUT, they come out really cute and are a little more permanent of an instrument, so thought you might be interested or could find ways to alter the project enough to get the kids involved. Anyways...The project uses 1 foot dowels (or you could use chopsticks), fabric and hot glue. (You could probably also use school glue, the drying process would just take a little while). http://beccamariedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-soft-head-toddler-drumsticks.html
Lullaby: If your child loves to snuggle with something, like a lovey or stuffed animal, feel free to bring it along for our lullaby!
Optional Fruit/Veggies: This is more of an activity for after class. I'll be doing a brain-stretching rhythm/syllable activity with fruit during class. We have had children love playing this "game" over the lunch/dinner table, at the grocery store,... It is a great one for introductions to rhythm concepts as well as phonological awareness (but, it just feels like fun!)
Videos Week #5
1. Hello
2. Animals in Concert
3. Arco Arena- with sticks
4. Fruit Rhythms (older kid video only)
5. Barnyard Beat
6. Beautiful Creatures (Barbatuques)
7. So Free
8. Goodbye
2. Animals in Concert
3. Arco Arena- with sticks
4. Fruit Rhythms (older kid video only)
5. Barnyard Beat
6. Beautiful Creatures (Barbatuques)
7. So Free
8. Goodbye
Infant to Younger Toddler Ages
Older Toddler to Preschool Ages
Week of September 28th, 2020
Hello! I had so much fun making your videos for this week!! I hope that you are enjoying and getting a lot out of them!!! Here is what we are doing for week #4: Sept 29.
Musical Spoon Set: Make your own with only spoons and tape! We know that you most likely will not have "musical" spoons at the center, but you definitely have some metal, plastic or wooden spoons! There is a link below with very simple instructions on how to turn 2 spoons into a very easy musical spoon set for children. All you need is the spoons and tape! These end up very similar to the ones that Miss Erin has brought before!
We've also included a link to some fun DIY castenets if you want to have a fun project (but, no pressure!!). We have included this project with our Mommy and Me families, and they came out ridiculously adorable! And they sounded good, too!!!
Lovey/Stuffed animal/baby doll for the lullaby: Or just relax and listen to the song!
Extra activity possibilities to do outside of class: (No pressure, though!)
Garden Snail Craft: We are singing a finger play exploring the idea of tempo. But, if you want to explore it further and turn it into a fun project, you can make some of these snails and have them move very (adagio)slowly!
Musical Spoon Set: Make your own with only spoons and tape! We know that you most likely will not have "musical" spoons at the center, but you definitely have some metal, plastic or wooden spoons! There is a link below with very simple instructions on how to turn 2 spoons into a very easy musical spoon set for children. All you need is the spoons and tape! These end up very similar to the ones that Miss Erin has brought before!
We've also included a link to some fun DIY castenets if you want to have a fun project (but, no pressure!!). We have included this project with our Mommy and Me families, and they came out ridiculously adorable! And they sounded good, too!!!
- Spoons and Washboard: This is a fantastic video that shows how to make simple musical spoons out of just spoons and tape. (It also show a longer, more involved project for a DIY washboard using cardboard, straws or chopsticks, aluminum foil and string.) But, don't worry! For this week, we will only be using the spoons! It's another great project, if you ever want to do it, though! https://youtu.be/OvyD-esr4Ms
- Castenets are similar enough to spoons, that we decided it could be a fun project to do this week.They are made from cardboard and bottle tops, so if you have little one still exploring with their mouth, this may not be the best choice for them! (But, your preschoolers may really enjoy!) https://www.redtedart.com/bottle-top-castanets/
Lovey/Stuffed animal/baby doll for the lullaby: Or just relax and listen to the song!
Extra activity possibilities to do outside of class: (No pressure, though!)
Garden Snail Craft: We are singing a finger play exploring the idea of tempo. But, if you want to explore it further and turn it into a fun project, you can make some of these snails and have them move very (adagio)slowly!
- Here is an easy one using pipe cleaners, the top to a food pouch (apple source) and google eyes www.tobeakidagain.com/simple-snail-finger-puppet/
- There are also great snail making crafts using just colored paper, markers and glue. Here are 2 that are pretty similar (the first is a bit more simple, and the second shows a bit more detail): 1. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp1A9yCP4Tw 2. www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYpMYqZDHkE
Videos Week #4
1. Hello
2. Garden Snail
3. Hoe Down
4. Funky Chicken (featuring Charlotte the Chicken!)
5. Chicken Cup Notation
6. I Don't Like it, I Love it (Kids Bop)
7. Biggest Fan
8. Goodbye
2. Garden Snail
3. Hoe Down
4. Funky Chicken (featuring Charlotte the Chicken!)
5. Chicken Cup Notation
6. I Don't Like it, I Love it (Kids Bop)
7. Biggest Fan
8. Goodbye
Infant to Younger Toddler Ages
Older Toddler to Preschool Ages
Week of September 21st, 2020
Hello Little Shephard friends!
We hope that you all got so much out of last week's class! Here are our next classes (for the week of 9/21-25, 2020) and what to gather so that the children can participate and get the most out of the class. (And, as always, feel free to improvise!)
Guiros Guiros are Latin instruments with ridges that you use a striker to rub against. They make a nice ratcheting kind of sound. The ones that we use in class are wooden and also act as shakers. Here is a link to one like we will be using, in case you want to see it: Meinl NINO Guiro Shaker. BUT, there are some great (and easy) alternatives!
And here are a handful of fun projects, using simple household items, if you want to make your own guiros for the kids to have at school!
Lovey/Stuffed animal/blanket for the lullaby: If the kids want!
We hope that you all got so much out of last week's class! Here are our next classes (for the week of 9/21-25, 2020) and what to gather so that the children can participate and get the most out of the class. (And, as always, feel free to improvise!)
Guiros Guiros are Latin instruments with ridges that you use a striker to rub against. They make a nice ratcheting kind of sound. The ones that we use in class are wooden and also act as shakers. Here is a link to one like we will be using, in case you want to see it: Meinl NINO Guiro Shaker. BUT, there are some great (and easy) alternatives!
And here are a handful of fun projects, using simple household items, if you want to make your own guiros for the kids to have at school!
- Water Bottle Guiros: This is the easiest of the projects that we are including. It is using an empty water bottle as a guiro. You can fill the water bottle with fun, colorful things (that maybe could also make it a shaker!) and decorate it, but you don't even need to do that!! Here is a link to a fun video where after she makes the guiro, she explores different genres of music! (So, might be a fun one to watch with the kids) https://youtu.be/td9rnS6MAnE
- Tin Can Guiros: Tin cans make wonderful guiros, since they already have ridges and are sturdy and unbreakable. You can use one, take the label off and call it done. But, if want to create an easy-to-do project for a more permanent instrument, here are some other options. The videos are, shall we say, a little (a lot) long-winded, but you'll be able to see the idea being demoed (fast-forward will be your friend).
- 2 Cans: guiro/shaker combo: Take 2 cans, open and empty them. Refill a portion with anything small like rice, lentils, gravel ... and duck tape the two open ends together. They sound AMAZING! https://youtu.be/TZyYQ50AYcE
- 2 Cans: straight hollow guiro you can also take 2 cans, empty them, and duck tape the 2 CLOSED ends together to create a hollow guiro, which also sounds incredible! He used masking tape, which the kids could them decorate with markers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUS8JBjUneY&feature=youtu.be
- Mixing Bowls and Utensils: These are for a pretend baking song. If you have big mixing bowls and spoons, that'd be perfect. But, small styrofoam bowls and plastic spoons work fine, as well as any fun cooking stuff that you might have at the center. We don't know how much of these types of items need to be put away for Covid safety, so if you don't have anything available, imaginations work just perfectly!!!!
Lovey/Stuffed animal/blanket for the lullaby: If the kids want!
Videos Week #3
Here is the order of the songs: (besides the Hello and Goodbye songs) in case you want to revisit specific songs!
- Grizzly Bear
- Amazing World- guiros (music by Samba Salad)
- Shoo Fly Pie
- Jikeleza (this song is only in the older kid's video)
- Faith- Ariana Grande
- Kind Kangaroo
Infant to Younger Toddler Ages
Older Toddler to Preschool Ages
Week of September 14th, 2020
Hello again!!!!
We hope that you all LOVED last week's class! We are excited to be creating more videos for you!! Here is what to gather and some thoughts on ways to play with the first song....
Here is what to gather for this week's class (and, as always, feel free to improvise!)
Also, look below this video for some ideas of how to play with our first song, "Two Little Birdies"
Hand Drum: The best drums are hollow inside and have a little space for hands to be able to hit it well.
So, if you don't have a drum, here are a few suggestions for alternatives for the children:
Hula hoops/scarf or ribbon: For the older kids, (if time allows), we will be doing a standing movement song. I will be using a hula hoop, so if you happen to have hula hoops for the kids, that would be great! If you don't, they can also use ribbons or scarves, or, of course, just dance!
Instruments for our family jam! Bring along a few instruments (or pots and pans, or the table top...) so the kids can play along to our jam song!
Lovey/Stuffed animal for the lullaby: At the end of class we always do a lullaby.
We hope that you all LOVED last week's class! We are excited to be creating more videos for you!! Here is what to gather and some thoughts on ways to play with the first song....
Here is what to gather for this week's class (and, as always, feel free to improvise!)
Also, look below this video for some ideas of how to play with our first song, "Two Little Birdies"
Hand Drum: The best drums are hollow inside and have a little space for hands to be able to hit it well.
So, if you don't have a drum, here are a few suggestions for alternatives for the children:
- a large tupperware container, coffee tin, oatmeal or protein powder cannister, upsidedown bucket.....
Hula hoops/scarf or ribbon: For the older kids, (if time allows), we will be doing a standing movement song. I will be using a hula hoop, so if you happen to have hula hoops for the kids, that would be great! If you don't, they can also use ribbons or scarves, or, of course, just dance!
Instruments for our family jam! Bring along a few instruments (or pots and pans, or the table top...) so the kids can play along to our jam song!
Lovey/Stuffed animal for the lullaby: At the end of class we always do a lullaby.
Videos Week #2
Here is the order of the songs: (besides the Hello and Goodbye songs) in case you want to revisit specific songs!
- Two Little Birdies
- 5 Frogs (drums)
- Five Green and Speckled Frogs
- Quimbombo (Older toddler to preschool ages video only)
- Sing!
- Thula Baba
Infant to Younger Toddler Ages
Older Toddler to Preschool Ages
Two Little Birdies: rhyming and opposites
Our first song this week is a song that you might be familiar with, called "Two Little Birdies". We play with the idea of rhyming, and opposites. We LOVE to have the preschoolers try to figure out what the second birdie is going to do based on these ideas.
This could be a really fun song for you all to do with the children during the week. We use bird finger puppets, but you can use any puppets or draw little faces on your index fingers (and call it "Two Little Friends" Or "2 Little Kitties"...). Here are the lyrics that we will use, and a few more ideas, but feel free to not only embellish on your own, but also by getting ideas from the kids!
The song goes like this:
Two little birdies sitting on a hill. One named Jack and one named Jill. Fly away Jack. Fly away Jill. Come back Jack. Come back Jill.
Two little birdies sitting on a _____. one was _____, the other was______......
Our first song this week is a song that you might be familiar with, called "Two Little Birdies". We play with the idea of rhyming, and opposites. We LOVE to have the preschoolers try to figure out what the second birdie is going to do based on these ideas.
This could be a really fun song for you all to do with the children during the week. We use bird finger puppets, but you can use any puppets or draw little faces on your index fingers (and call it "Two Little Friends" Or "2 Little Kitties"...). Here are the lyrics that we will use, and a few more ideas, but feel free to not only embellish on your own, but also by getting ideas from the kids!
The song goes like this:
Two little birdies sitting on a hill. One named Jack and one named Jill. Fly away Jack. Fly away Jill. Come back Jack. Come back Jill.
Two little birdies sitting on a _____. one was _____, the other was______......
- Dad: happy/sad
- Cloud: quiet/loud
- Gate: early/late
- Fort: long/short
- Lap: awake/nap
- Down below: fast/slow
- Sing a little song: sang short/ sang long
- Wearing funny pants: one just walked/ the other did a dance
Week of September 8th, 2020
For this first week, here is what you can gather for the children to participate in class. No worries if you don't have these things, the class will still be engaging and fun without them!
Egg Shakers: Or any shaker, maraca.... Ideally, we'll use one for each hand.
Don't have any shakers? Let's make some. Here are a few ideas that you can try:
Lovey/Stuffed animal for the lullaby: At the end of class we always do a lullaby.
See you right here in a few days!
Egg Shakers: Or any shaker, maraca.... Ideally, we'll use one for each hand.
Don't have any shakers? Let's make some. Here are a few ideas that you can try:
- Tupperware: Fill up small tupperware (or plastic Easter eggs) with dry rice, beans, beads, or paper clips, etc and seal the container WELL! (We like to use tape). Have the children really listen to what different fillings sound like. Does this one make a louder sound? Does this one make a lower sound? Playing around with different materials really starts training their ears!
- Toilet Paper Roll Shakers: If you want a craft project, try making a toilet paper roll shaker! The great part about this activity is that the kids can decorate them with paint, stickers, patterned tape... Here are a couple of links The first one is a little more complex, maybe better for the older children (and FYI, when we did it, we used duct tape on the ends instead of hot gluing), and the second one is SUPER simple and the shakers will fit easily into little hands.
Lovey/Stuffed animal for the lullaby: At the end of class we always do a lullaby.
See you right here in a few days!
Videos Week #1
Here is the order of the songs: (besides the Hello and Goodbye songs) in case you want to revisit specific songs!
- Drivin' In My Car
- We are Number One (egg shakers)
- The Gruffalo
- Better When I'm Dancin' (family jam- variety of percussion instruments to play along)
- A Happy Song