The children are introduced to crotchets and quavers. Each note has a character, for instance Mr. Crotchet walks around the room and the Quaver Twins always run etc. This begins to introduce the timing of each note, by acting them out and clapping the rhythms.
Dancing is still part of this lesson but now the children are asked to do different things, perhaps act out something according to the theme of that week. It's lovely to see ten enthusiastic little elephants prancing around the room to Saint-Saens 'Carnival of the animals'!
At this stage musical games play an important part in teaching the children. A great favourite is the bongo game. This is done by the teacher tapping out the rhythm of the children's names on the bongos and then getting the children to copy. This particular game not only helps with the children's rhythm but is also great for co-ordination. |
