I use these visuals to review rhythms with the 3rd graders. We pat the rhythms as an intro (like a train warming up and going faster) before singing the song.
As we sing, the students pat the words "this train," and they have to concentrate because of the 3rd phrase not having the words "this train!"
Then I use Section B of this song to review the Solfege they learned in 2nd grade (mi, so and la) and to teach the 2 new Solfege symbols we use in 3rd grade: do and re.
Then we put the whole thing together with instruments:
Intro A B A Coda
Intro: (to simulate the train starting)
Students patsch rhythms while I play octave F's on the keyboard in a low register:
...continue a few eighth notes while I blow the train whistle:
Start song below...
Coda: (to simulate the train slowing to a stop)
Patsching as above:
At end, students make brake noises (could be a few squeaks and "shhhhhh" sounds).
