Music Update from Mrs. Herrmann
Kindergartener’s recently learned that music has a steady beat and just like our own heart beat, when the song gets faster or slower, so does the steady beat. Students listened to Leroy Anderson's "Syncopated Clock" and learned to “fly” around the room like a bird, and then stop and show the steady beat when they heard the tick-tock clock sound.
1st graders have been working on reading rhythms that include quarter notes, eighth notes and quarter rest. Recently, the first grade favorite song is “Grizzly Bear.” Ask your first grader to show you the rests or “quiet spots.” With a few family members or some friends, and a blanket or a sheet, your child can teach you the grizzly bear game that we play with a parachute!
2nd and 3rd graders are learning to read music and play what they read on xylophones. They learned to play “Apple Tree” and are working on putting together a four part arrangement to a song that goes along with the story “Wish” by Chris Saunders. Playing xylophones requires students to show self-control, work on eye-hand coordination and have patience as they grow in their learning. They are doing a great job!
4th graders have started learning to play ukulele and are so excited to give this a try! So far, they have learned 3 chords and are able to sing and play along to songs such as “Frere Jaques” and “I Like to Eat Apples and Bananas!”
5th graders are hard at work with a world music drumming unit where they are learning to play in three parts to a song called “Funga Alafia.” They are working hard to be patient with themselves and each other as we add new parts. I am proud of each student's hard work!
The Heart and Pride Award recognizes two outstanding staff members each month who make a profound impact on our students and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools.
The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.
*Please note that OST dates appear on the calendar above in this newsletter.
Friday, April 18: No School
Thursday, April 24: PTO Skate Night 6-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29:
*PTO Spring Flower Pick up 2-6 p.m.
*Kindergarten Open House for NEW Kinder Students 25-26 school year 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 2: No School for Students; Staff Professional Development Day
Monday, May 5--Friday, May 9: Teacher Appreciation Week
Tuesday, May 6: PTO Meeting 7-8 p.m.
Friday, May 9:
*PAWS Breakfast 7:30-8:30 a.m.
*PTO Carnival
Wednesday, May 21: Field Day
Thursday, May 22:
*PAWS breakfast 7:30-8:30 a.m.
*Kindergarten Celebration 9-10 a.m.
Friday, May 23: Last Day of School