Don't overlook this classic folk song because it's too familiar! Here are some ideas of how to use it to teach rhythm.
The way I learned it is to repeat the song and remove one letter each time and insert a clap instead of singing the letter.
Ideas:
- Letter recognition:
- Make 5 big cards with letters, and when most students clap, 5 students can hold up the cards.
- Each student could have a small card with a letter.
- Sign language (finger spelling). Teach students how to finger spell the letters.
- Rhythms- Ta and Ti-ti:
- Students could hold up these cards as they clap.
- While clapping, the students could chant "ta" or "ti".
- Add instruments
Below are the Orff symbols for:
- woodblock
- triangle
- tambourine
- claves
- hand drum
