*from STONES HILL SONGS*
A priority in Western education is literacy. A cornerstone of literacy is an innate map of the alphabet, the letters being the building blocks of language.
This rhyme gives a body-centered experience of the alphabet, using rhythmic movement and patterning to internalise and memorize the sequence of letters. It becomes a satisfying process as children master its clear, simple musical meter.
I have demonstrated two ways of accompanying the rhyme with movement: the first is appropriate for younger children or if the class is floor-bound for any reason, and is as effective done seated. The second requires more coordination, performed standing up. Change any moves if you wish - nothing is set in stone!
I have a ball which is round and fat
And I spread out my arms to hold it like that
I bounce it low and I bounce it high
And my ball looks just like a bird in the sky
A B C D this is easy
E F G just watch me
H I J K I play all day
L M N O watch my ball go
P Q R S I need a little rest
T U V W Oops - here come's trouble
X Y Z My ball is dead...
Something happens that makes me STOP
My ball hits a nail and my ball goes POP!
A couple of notes about using movement with songs and rhymes:
# Keep it simple - once established you can add more moves incrementally - don't start too complex.
# Repetitive patterns are most beneficial. Let them find the joy of settling into and mastering a movement pattern.
#Be judicious with use of theatrical/ dramatic moves - simple is best in a big group. Here, the drama comes with the POP! at the end.
#Perform moves lightly (eg clapping softly) - children are programmed to COPY. There is no need to over-do or over-exaggerate movement.
#Use actions which involve crossing the midline, encouraging laterality and facilitating integration. Hence the cross-clapping on the knees when sitting down, or in the second version, the hands sweeping a lateral figure-of-8 across the body.
There are a few words to learn to this rhyme; this is the task of the clever, committed teacher. Let the children chip in when they can, and they will. The words provide the rhythmic framework; if there's a drummer available, all the better.
Movement for children is a rich and essential component of Orff music teaching pedagogy, Brain Gym, Kodaly and Nia dance (Neuromuscular Integrative Activity). It is worth going on one of these or any other similar courses to experience the connection between movement and learning, and to glean useful ideas to apply in music groups. (The moves in the accompanying video are inspired largely by Nia principles). Memory and cognitive development are stimulated by rhythmic movement as it accesses the learning centers of the brain. Hence young children need space and time for plenty of body-centered learning, a moving experience.
Explore the collection of Stones Hill songs listed below - share them with people whom you know will use and enjoy them. Please acknowledge source and composer if piece is used for public performance - copyright Liz Campbell, Stones Hill songs. Feedback would also be appreciated - how the song works for you, how you may have used it: liz.jessam@gmail.com
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/figure-of-8_26.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/so-many-things-my-body-can-do.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/i-was-walking-along_26.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/come-on-and-dance-like-clown.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/i-have-eyes-to-see.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/one-little-thumb.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/good-morning_26.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/all-join-hands-and-make-circle_26.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/09/come-on-everybody.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-little-body_26.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/10/choosing_1.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/10/i-have-one_12.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/10/alphabet-bounce_87.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/11/lift-your-voice-and-sing.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/12/farewell-song.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/03/i-went-shopping.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/03/creepy-crawly_10.html
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