Sunday, February 2, 2014

Hibernation Week: Taking a rest in music

Hello GE Families,

The students had a great time last week learning about music from different cultures around the world for our diversity unit at school.  We learned a song of spring from Japan called "Haru Ga Kita", a song from the Torres Strait Islands north of Australia called "Taba Naba", "Che Che Kule" from Ghana, and "Funga Alafia" from Nigeria.  The students learned the songs in the native languages and the accompanying dances.  It was a lot of fun!  Here are the links to these songs:

"Haru Ga Kita"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luMoCiL69Xc

"Taba Naba"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pusdOM20dUs

"Che Che Kule"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78aclaJ2ecE

"Funga Alafia"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTegkMJq15M

This week the students are learning about hibernation, so in music class we will be discussing what it means for your instruments (or voice) to take a rest.  The students will be practicing playing quarter notes and rests with different instruments as well as reviewing how to play their instruments piano and forte.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Welcome back!

Hello GE families,

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday break.  I have many exciting things planned for the students this spring!  For example, I am going to start a program called "Musical Field Trips" where we will meet for music class in the Fellowship Hall and the students will hear a concert by members of LUMC or some of our GE parents who play various musical instruments.  The students will be introduced to instruments such as the violin, cello, guitar, piano, drums, banjo, and pipe organ.  They will learn the different sounds these instruments make, what the different parts of the instruments are called, and perhaps get a chance to try to play these instruments themselves!  We will also have another musical performance this May for the student's families and loved ones.

This week the students will learn songs and dances about winter, the letter W and the color white.  I will also begin introducing musical vocabulary, such as pianissimo (soft) and forte (LOUD).

Ms. Kimberly

Songs this Week:
 
“Now Winter Begins”
*sing/speak to classical music

Into their hives the busy bees crawl.                      
(Flap fingers for wings)

Into the ant hills, go ants one and all.                     
(Wiggle fingers running up hill)

Caterpillars too, have hidden their heads,               
(Spin arms around )

Safely spun in their snug little beds.                       
(Rest head on hands)
The squirrels have all climbed to their holes in the trees. (Climbing motion)

The bird nests are empty, no birds can we see. 
(Flap wings again)

The leaves have all blown away on the wind      
(Flap around like falling leaves)

Announcing to all – Now winter begins!               
(Hold hands like megaphone)
Fires are built in the hearths of homes.                 
(Rub hands together )

Hats are knitted and coats are sewn.                    
(Pretend to knit or sew)

Harsh winds blow all through the night.                
(Blow)

Lights all flicker, what a sight!                                
(Hold up arm and wave hand)
Everyone waits for the first sight of snow,           
(Cup eyes, like looking out window)

Then down it comes, soft and slow.                      
(Fall gently, twirling to the ground)

The world is quiet, the world is white,                  
(Cup ear)

Winter is here, a beautiful sight!   
(Fall back and pretend to make snow angles on floor)

“The Frost Song”
(Tune: "The Farmer in the Dell")

The frost is in the air.

The frost is in the air.

It's wintertime, It's wintertime,

The frost is in the air.



The frost is on the trees.

The frost is on the trees.

It's wintertime, It's wintertime,

The frost is on the trees.



The frost is on the roof.

The frost is on the roof.

It's wintertime, It's wintertime,

The frost is on the roof.



The frost is on the windows.

The frost is on the windows.

It's wintertime, It's wintertime,

The frost is on the windows.



The frost is on the ground.

The frost is on the ground.

It's wintertime, It's wintertime,

The frost is on the ground.



The frost tells me it's cold.

The frost tells me it's cold.

It's wintertime, It's wintertime,

The frost tells me it's cold.



So inside I'll stay.

So inside I'll stay.

Inside it's nice, and I am warm.

So inside I'll stay.


Snowball
(Tune: I have a little turtle)
I made myself a snowball
As perfect as could be.

I thought I'd keep it as a pet and let it sleep with me.

I made it some pajamas
And a pillow for it's head.

I like to keep it warm inside and my snowball wet the bed!
Snowball, snowball, snowball
Snowball, snowball, snowball,
Snowball, snowball, snowball,
Snowball, snowball, MELTED!
  
“The W song”
(Tune: Hokey Pokey)

This is a word,
It starts with W.
Wuh, wuh, wuh, wuh, wuh, wuh,
Is W’s sound, it’s true.
It is in the ocean,
It fills up your sink,
It starts with a W,
What do you think?  (Water)

Pretend hair for your head,
Sometimes it is pink!
It starts with with a W,
What do you think?  (Wig)

It’s sound is really loud,
Gets your attention in a blink,
It starts with a W,
What do you think? (Whistle)

You keep it in your pocket,
Holds your money in a wink,
It starts with a W,
What do you think? (Wallet)

You can sit inside,
And eat a snack or a drink,
It starts with a W,
What do you think? (Wagon)

You can find it on a fish hook,
Or through the dirt it will slink
It starts with a W,
What do you think?  (Worm)

They grow in your garden,
Sometimes they might stink!
It starts with a W,
What do you think?  (Weeds)

A red and juicy fruit,
A summertime treat,
It starts with a W,
What do you think?  (Watermelon)

“Diamond Song”
(Tune: The Wheels on the Bus)
*Hold up a picture of a diamond as you sing this song.

What shape has four corners,
four corners, four corners,
What shape has four corners,
but is NOT a square.

What shape has four sides,
four sides, four sides,
What shape has four sides
But is NOT a square.

What shape is a kite in the sky
kite in the sky, kite in the sky.
What shape is a kite in the sky,
That is flying high?

The shape is a diamond,
a diamond, a diamond.
The shape is a diamond.
Diamonds are so much fun!

“W-H-I-T-E”
(Tune: LITTLE BROWN JUG)

W-H-I-T-E
THAT SPELLS WHITE, SING WITH ME
MILK IS WHITE, AND SO IS GLUE
GHOSTS ARE WHITE
AND THEY SAY BOO!

W-H-I-T-E
THAT SPELLS WHITE, SING WITH ME
THE CLOUDS ABOVE, THE SNOW BELOW
SANTA’S BEARD, HO, HO, HO!
  

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Preschool Performance at the Alison & Bradley Houses this Week

Hello GE Parents,

I wanted to first of all thank all of you for coming to the Christmas programs that we had last week.  The kids did such an amazing job and I was incredibly proud of them.  The kids were so excited to sing for you all!  Thank you for your support.

If you did not get a chance to see the Christmas program or if you'd like to see it again, the preschool students will be performing on Monday (12/16) @ 10:30am at the Bradley House & on Tuesday (12/17) @ 10:30am at the Alison House (both are retirement homes next door to Great Escape).  We would love for you to join us!

In music class this week, we will be discussing Christmas celebrations and songs from other languages and cultures.  The students will also listen to different styles of music (fast/slow, happy/sad) and draw a picture of how that music sounds to them and/or how it makes them feel.

Happy Holidays!
Ms. Kimberly

Songs this week:


“Mele Kalikimaka”
Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say
On a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day
That's the island greeting that we send to you
From the land where palm trees sway
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas to you!

“I Have a Little Dreidel”
I have a little dreidel. I made it out of clay.
When it's dry and ready, then dreidel I shall play.

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made it out of clay.

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, then dreidel I shall play.

It has a lovely body, with legs so short and thin.
When it gets all tired, it drops and then I win!

Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, with leg so short and thin.

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, it drops and then I win!

My dreidel's always playful. It loves to dance and spin.
A happy game of dreidel, come play now let's begin.

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, it loves to dance and spin.

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel. Come play now let's begin.

I have a little dreidel. I made it out of clay.
When it's dry and ready, dreidel I shall play.

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made you out of clay.

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, then dreidel I shall play.

“Kwanzaa’s Here”
(Tune: Three Blind Mice)
Red, green, black,
Red, green, black.
Kwanzaa's here,
Kwanzaa's here.
The decorations are quite a sight,
We light a candle every night,
The holiday is filled with light.
Kwanzaa's here.

“Feliz Navidad”
Feliz Navidad!
Feliz Navidad!
Feliz Navidad,
Prospero Ano y Felicidad!

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas!
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas!
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas,
From the bottom of my heart!

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Christmas Program this Wednesday & Thursday!

Hello GE Parents,

The students have been doing such a great job practicing for the Christmas program.  I hope you all can make it this Wednesday or Thursday at 10am.  The program will last about 15 minutes, followed by a small reception, in the Grant Fellowship Hall.  The students also go to chapel this week where they will learn the story of Christ's birth and sing songs that celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.

I have included below the list of songs the students will be singing for the program next week.

Thanks!
Ms. Kimberly

 
“I’m a Little Pine Tree”
(Tune: I’m a Little Teapot)

I’m a little pine tree as you can see,
All the other pine trees are bigger than me.
Maybe when I grow up I will be,
A great big Merry Christmas tree!

“Jingle Bells”
Jingle bells,
Jingle bells,
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh- hey!
(repeat)

“S-A-N-T-A”
(Tune: B-I-N-G-O)

I know a man with a long white beard
And Santa is his name-o
S-A-N-T-A, S-A-N-T-A, S-A-N-T-A
And Santa is his name-o!

His elves make toys for girls and boys… 
Eight little reindeer pull his sleigh…
He brings Christmas to you and me…

“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, (hands like antlers)
Had a very shiny nose, (point to nose)
And if you ever saw it, (point to eyes)
You could even say it glows. (blink hand on nose)
All of the other reindeer (hands like antlers)
Used to laugh and call him names; (one hand on over mouth, one hand pointing)
They never let poor Rudolph (point to nose)
Join in any reindeer games. (running motion)
Then one foggy Christmas Eve, (hands like Santa’s belly)
Santa came to say: (move hands up and down- HO HO HO!)
"Rudolph with your nose so bright, (blink hand on nose)
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?" (hands holding reins)
Then how the reindeer loved him (hug self)
As they shouted out with glee, (cup hands around mouth- YIPEE!)
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, (point nose, then make antlers)
You'll go down in history." (make up & down motion w hand)

 “Toys Under the Christmas Tree” 
(Tune: This Old Man)

This little drum, under the tree
(drum motion w hands whole verse)
Santa put it there for me
With a boom-boom, boom boom, rummy-tummy-tum
Christmas Day is so much fun!

This little train, under the tree
(arms back on forth by sides, march feet for whole verse)
Santa put it there for me
With a choo-choo, choo-choo, rummy-tummy-tum
Christmas Day is so much fun!

This little doll, under the tree
(rock baby in arms)
Santa put it there for me
With a ma-ma, ma-ma, rummy-tummy-tum
Christmas Day is so much fun!

This puppy, under the tree
(hands in front like paws)
Santa put it there for me
With a woof woof, woof woof, rummy-tummy-tum
Christmas Day is so much fun!

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

You better watch out (hand over eyes, looking)
You better not cry (pretend to cry)
You better not pout (pout)
I’m tellin’ you why (shake finger)
Santa Claus is coming to town. (santa’s belly w hands)

He’s making a list (pretend to write list)
He’s checking it twice (two fingers in air)
Gonna find out who’s naughty or nice (rub index fingers together (scolding), then point fingers to cheeks & smile)
Santa Claus is coming to town. (santa’s belly w hands)

He sees you when you’re sleeping (hands together on cheek)
He knows when you’re awake (open hands, palms out, by face)
He knows when you’ve been bad or good (rub index fingers together (scolding), then point fingers to cheeks & smile)
So be good for goodness sake (shake finger)

Oh…

You better watch out (same as above)
You better not cry
You better not pout
I’m tellin’ you why
Santa Claus is coming to town.
  
“On Christmas Day”
(Tune: The Wheels on the Bus)
The lights on the tree go, blink, blink, blink...
(blink both hands for whole verse)
Blink, blink, blink... blink, blink, blink.
The lights on the tree go blink, blink, blink...
On Christmas Day.

The presents in the house go rattle, rattle, rattle... (pretend to shake present by each ear)
The train under the tree goes choo, choo, choo… (arms back on forth by sides, march feet for whole verse)
The bells on the tree go jingle, jingle, jingle… (shake both hands like bells)
The cookies at our house taste yummy, yummy, yummy… (rub tummy)
The people in the house sing La La La… (hold hands in front like singing from a book)
  
“Reindeer Pokie”
(Sung To: Hokey Pokey)

You put your antlers in,
You put your antlers out,
You put your antlers in,
Then you shake them all about.

You do the reindeer pokie
And you turn yourself around,
That's what it's all about.

You put your hooves in…
You put your tail in…
You put your red nose in…
You put Rudolph in…

“Away in a Manger
Away in a manger,                                                               
No crib for a bed (cradle arms and rock imaginary baby)
The little Lord Jesus (sign language for Jesus- point to each palm)
Lay down His sweet head (fold hands together and lay head on them)
The stars in the sky (point upwards)
Looked down where He lay (move hands down twinkling fingers as you look down)
The Little Lord Jesus (sign language for Jesus)
Asleep on the hay (fold hands together and lay head on them



“We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
 We wish you a Merry Christmas
(motion to chest with both hands, then make “C” and arch with rt hand)
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year. (roll hands, tap fists on top of one another)

Now let's all do a little clapping (clap),
Now let's all do a little clapping (clap),
Now let's all do a little clapping (clap),
And spread Christmas cheer (raise arms above head)

Now let's all do a little waving (wave)...
We wish you a Merry Christmas...

“We Love Great Escape” (School Song)
We love our friends and teachers too, (hug self)
We love the fun things we do. (jazz hands)
We love to laugh, we love to play.
(cup hands to mouth, run in place)
We learn new things every day.
(point finger to head)
Great Escape (clap, clap)
Great Escape (clap, clap)
We love our school!
(hug self, touch shoulders, arms up above head)
 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Christmas Program: RESCHEDULED

Hello GE Parents!

Just a quick note to let you know that the Christmas program has been rescheduled.  The students will be performing next week in Grant Fellowship Hall at 10:00 am on Wednesday & Thursday, Dec. 11 & 12th, instead of Monday & Tuesday of next week.  Hope to see you there!

Ms. Kimberly

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello GE Families,

This week the students will continue learning songs about giving thanks and learn how to dance like a turkey!  We will also continue rehearsing for our Christmas program that will be on December 9th & 10th @ 10am-10:30am in Grant Fellowship Hall.  The students will be dressed in cute costumes they will make in their classrooms, they will sing some Christmas favorites, and there will be refreshments to enjoy with your child after the show.   The students will also have a special ornament to share with their families.  It will be so much fun and a great way to begin our celebration of the Christmas season!  Hope you can make it! 

Ms. Kimberly


Sunday, November 17, 2013

Turkey Tunes: Thanksgiving Week!

Hello GE Families,

This week we will continue to explore concepts of rhythm and movement with songs about turkeys and Thanksgiving!  The students will also begin rehearsing for our Christmas performance.  

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS: On Mon 12/9 and Tues 12/10 all classes will be performing Christmas songs for their families and loved ones at 10am in Grant Fellowship Hall.  We will have refreshments with the kids following the show.  You do not want to miss their adorable performance!  

Here are our songs for the week:


“I’m a Little Turkey”
(Tune: I’m a Little Teapot)

I’m a little turkey,
My name is Ted.
Here are my feathers
Here is my head.
“Gobble, gobble, gobble,” is what I say
Run, Run, Run because it’s Thanksgiving day.

The First Thanksgiving
 (Tune: The Muffin Man )

The Pilgrims came to America
America, America.
The Pilgrims came to America
a long, long time ago.

They sailed on the Mayflower
the Mayflower, the Mayflower.
They sailed on the Mayflower
a long, long time ago.

They made friends with the Indians
The Indians, the Indians.
They made friends with the Indians
a long, long time ago.

They planted seeds. The corn grew tall
The corn grew tall. The corn grew tall.
They planted seeds. The corn grew tall
a long, long time ago.

They had a great Thanksgiving feast
Thanksgiving feast, Thanksgiving feast.
They had a great Thanksgiving feast
a long, long time ago.


“Thanksgiving Feast”
(Tune: Are you sleeping?)

We eat turkey, we eat turkey
Oh so good, oh so good
Always on Thanksgiving, always on Thanksgiving
Yum,yum,yum... yum,yum,yum

We eat green beans, we eat green beans
Oh so good, oh so good
Always on Thanksgiving, always on Thanksgiving
Yum,yum,yum... yum,yum,yum

We eat mashed potatoes, we eat mashed potatoes
Oh so good, oh so good
Always on Thanksgiving, always on Thanksgiving
Yum,yum,yum... yum,yum,yum

We eat pumpkin pie, we eat pumpkin pie
Oh so good, oh so good
Always on Thanksgiving, always on Thanksgiving
Yum,yum,yum... yum,yum,yum
  
“Thank You Song”
(Sung To: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)

Thank you for the sun so bright,
Thank you for the moon at night,
Thank you for my family,
Thanks for friends who play with me,
Thanks for everything I see,
I am thankful, yes siree

“Hello Mr. Turkey!”
(Tune: If You're Happy and You Know It)

Hello Mr. Turkey, how are you? (clap, clap)
Hello Mr. Turkey, how are you? (clap, clap)
With a gobble, gobble, gobble
And a wobble, wobble, wobble,
Hello Mr. Turkey, how are you? (clap, clap)

“Pumpkin Pie”
(Tune: Peanut Butter & Jelly)

First you take the pumpkin and you pick it, you pick it, You pick it, pick it, pick it.
Pumpkin, Pumpkin Pie-Yummy!
Pumpkin, Pumpkin Pie-Yummy!

Then you take the pumpkin and you carve it, you carve it, You carve it, carve it, carve it.

Next you take the spices and you mix it, you mix it,
You mix it, mix it, mix it.

You put it in the oven and you wait, you wait,
You wait, you wait, you wait. 

You take it out the oven and you bite it, you bite it,
You bite it, bite it, bite it (sing like mouth full)
And you chew it, you chew it, chew it, chew it, chew it. (Sing chorus like your mouth is full.)

“Five Fat Turkeys”
(Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)

This old road is hard and bumpy
Five fat turkeys wild and jumpy
Driver driver not so jerky
Or you'll make us loose a turkey

(spoken)
Driver! Driver! Stop I say!
One fat turkey got away!

Repeat each verse until just one turkey is left and say:
Driver! Driver! Stop I say!
Save this turkey for Thanksgiving Day!

"10 Days of Thanksgiving"
(Tune: 12 Days of Christmas)

On the 1st day of Thanksgiving the Natives gave to me, 
A pumpkin in a pumpkin patch.

On the 2nd day of Thanksgiving the Natives gave to me, Two big round turkeys…

On the 3rd day of Thanksgiving the Natives gave to me, Three sacks of berries… 

On the 4th day of Thanksgiving, the Natives gave to me... Four cornucopias...

On the 5th day of Thanksgiving, the Natives gave to me... Five ears of corn…

On the 6th day of Thanksgiving, the Natives gave to me... Six pairs of moccasins…

On the 7th day of Thanksgiving, the Natives gave to me... Seven painted teepees…

On the 8th day of Thanksgiving, the Natives gave to me... Eight woven blankets…

On the 9th day of Thanksgiving, the Natives gave to me... Nine bows and arrows…

On the 10th day of Thanksgiving, the Natives gave to me... Ten tom-tom drums…

“Thanksgiving Day”
(Tune: Five Little Monkeys)

Five little turkeys sitting by the barn door,
One ran away, and then there were four.
Run, turkey! Run, turkey! Run far away!
Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day.

Four little turkeys sitting under a tree…
Three little turkeys playing Skip-To-My-Lou...
Two little turkeys lying in the sun...
One little turkey, having no more fun...

 “Bert The Turkey”
(A Thanksgiving Rap)

A Turkey named Bert thought he'd make up a dance,
And he'd dance it for the king and queen.
If he did a good job and they liked it a lot,
Then they wouldn't eat him, cuz that would be MEAN!
He went sli-i-i-de, close, sli-i-i-de, close,
Shake your tail and wiggle your nose!
He went sli-i-i-de, close, sli-i-i-de, close,
Flap your wings and touch your toes!
DANCE, DANCE, BERT DESERVES A CHANCE!
DANCE, DANCE, BERT DESERVES A CHANCE!

SOOOoo that turkey named Bert he preformed his dance,
And he did it for the queen and the king.
He did a good job and they liked it a lot
So they danced till the morning bird sings.
He went sli-i-i-de, close, sli-i-i-de, close,
Shake your tail and wiggle your nose!
He went sli-i-i-de, close, sli-i-i-de, close,
Flap your wings and touch your toes!
DANCE, DANCE That turkey can dance!
DANCE, DANCE, THAT TURKEY CAN DANCE!

“YELLOW”
(If You’re Happy and You Know It) 

Y-E-L-L-O-W SPELLS YELLOW.
Y-E-L-L-O-W SPELLS YELLOW.
LIKE THE EARLY MORNING SUN
WHEN THE DAY HAS JUST BEGUN.
Y-E-L-L-O-W SPELLS YELLOW.

DAFFODILS AND BABY DUCKS ARE YELLOW.
LEMONADE AND SCRAMBLED EGGS ARE YELLOW.
I LIKE THE SMILEY FACE THAT’S YELLOW.
HE IS SUCH A HAPPY FELLOW.
Y-E-L-L-O-W SPELLS YELLOW.

“The Square Song”
(Tune: You are my Sunshine)

I am a Square,
A lovely Square,

I have four sides and
They're all the same.

I have Four corners,
Four lovely corners.

I am a Square, that is my name.