YELLOW BRICK ROAD MUSIC

I was prepared to record myself singing and playing guitar, but then I ran across this little gem from Jill Trinka, and I just couldn’t resist sharing it. Also, I don’t have a decent microphone, and my iMac just can’t handle the acoustics of my voice plus a guitar. However, I do plan to get a microphone in the near future. If you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments section!

My version is a bit slower. It may be more suited to an introductory class sing-a-long, until your students are comfortable with a faster tempo.
CIRCLE GAME
Students stand in a circle with partners, facing the center. One student (a leader) stands in the middle. Once the song begins, the leader skips around the circle while everyone sings, then steals one of the partners. They skip around the circle, and return to the open spot, which the leader then takes. The new leader continues skipping around the circle and steals another partner, and so on, until the song is finished.
UKULELES
I’ve been having so much fun playing this song on my guitar, and I think the simple chord changes would be great for beginning ukulele students. To begin, assign only one chord to a small group of students, showing them exactly when they play each time in the song. Then, rotate the groups around until they’ve had a chance to play all chords. Give them some independent practice time to work on the chord changes. Finally, bring them back together and try it out!
RHYTHM
This is a great song to familiarize students with the feeling of two sixteenths and an eighth (tika-ti). If your students already know the rhythm, and need practice, try using rhythm manipulatives for a more hands-on approach. This set of 1,000 Woodsies Popsicle Sticks would be great for rhythm manipulatives. Assuming you don’t mind a few wonky sticks, there are enough in the box to last you quite a while! These Colored Wood Craft Sticks would be great for color-coordinating different rhythms.Check my blog tomorrow for exclusive freebies that will fit in perfectly with these lesson ideas!

One Response

  1. I'm adding ukuleles to my 6th grade curriculum this year- maybe I could have them accompany while the younger students play the game and sing? In my ideal world, anyway, that would be awesome 🙂 #fermatafridays