CONNECT - song and dance for children

*STONES HILL SONGS* is a growing resource of original songs for young children, self-published by experienced music teacher/ occupational therapist/ songwriter LIZ CAMPBELL. The goal is to stimulate real-time body-and-voice musical experience in classrooms. Demo-style presentation is simple and easy for teachers to look-listen-copy. They are not suitable as fancy backing tracks! SUBSCRIBE, "LIKE" and SHARE with other interested teachers. Let the SONG and DANCE continue!

Friday, March 15, 2019

I have eyes to see

*from STONES HILL SONGS*

🎶 This song is all about body image, pointing, touching, identifying, naming different parts, and then making them dance! The idea in between verses is to have some 'free dance' with the specific parts just named. How can my eyes dance? How can my nose move? It teaches attention and appreciation of our bodies, in part and whole.

The last verse is about how we relate to others around us with our bodies, and nurtures a sense of belonging in our communities and families. The jazzy genre will give a snappy edge to the moves, and children love to mimic a jazzy voice and jazzy moves - they are great imitators! Who knows, some may even be inspired to take up the saxophone one day!

Good morning!

*from STONES HILL SONGS*

🎶 You can never have enough 'good morning' greeting songs in your repertoire for children. That's because they are a fantastic way to start each day, so we need one for every new, beautiful day! I saw a (young) grandfather doing this very song with his little grandson, making it such a fun game, with lots of laughter and jokes - that's just the right spirit, because learning IS fun, and happens best when not taken too seriously.

So as you add actions to this one, the memory banks up in sequence and mistakes are bound to happen, to everyone's delight! Sequential memory is an old game in every child's book, played in numerous different ways for good reason. Sequencing words and actions to song are ideal for developing this faculty (while having fun). Add your own suggestions - they can become ludicrous as you wish. Sing this simple song in a lively, vibrant fashion to set a positive tone for the day.

Choosing

*from STONES HILL SONGS*

Perhaps an expanded title for this story from the Stones Hill collection could be -

how to choose not to be so busy in life, or less is more! Increasingly children are under pressure to have their days filled with 'improving' activities. Or maybe it's parents feeling the pressure of having to keep their young busy at all times. Chunks of empty space in a whirlwind existence can seem unproductive or time wasting, but these so-called 'boring' patches are exactly where creativity and imagination put down lasting roots. It takes an archetypal grandmother figure, the classic wise old crone, to point this out to her young granddaughter.

This story/song was not recorded with visuals in mind; in fact, it's more than OK to turn off the screen, lie on the floor and listen, letting the imagination fill in the blanks. When eyes are fixed on a screen, the brain's capacity to create its own visuals switches to glazed mode!

I Have One

*from STONES HILL SONGS*

🎶 This song from the Stones Hill collection is all about counting, using fingers, toes and different parts of our bodies. It is best sung slowly (unaccompanied, once the teacher/ parent has familiarised the tune and words), taking time to touch, name and count on the body. Although the song is recorded at a pace, there is no rush in real-time!

Even touching just one part for each section is sufficient. It takes a lot of co-ordination to jump between the arms, legs, eyes, so be encouraging. Five and five making ten, so clear to see on the fingers, is the beginning of experiencing maths in action, so wield the fingers widely and admiringly, encouraging the use of them for counting.

The video is deliberately crafted with few visual elements as it is intended for participation rather than watching a visual spectacle. Enjoy!

Alphabet bounce

*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

Lift your voice and sing!

*from STONES HILL SONGS*

This song is an accumulative type of round, layering together 4-bar bit-sized pieces to make up the whole. It is most suitable for young junior voices, hence all the parts are written for soprano voice.

Start by singing each part through with repeats until comfortably familiar, and only then start to split and layer them, canon style, first in 2 parts, then later try with 3.

Further suggestions to try: create a simple movement pattern to accompany each verse. As the children stand in their 3 groups, they can perform this movement sequence with the song. This is a very Orff-Schulwerk based idea; adding a simple movement to the singing takes it to another level altogether, introducing further benefits for development and learning.

Rounds (also called canons) are the most accessible way to practice and enjoy singing in harmony. They are typically short so can be learnt quickly, by heart and ear, and have an engaging playful element as the singers fit their parts together, snugly, like a good jigsaw puzzle.

Canons epitomizes the non-competitive aspect of music, the point being that everybody arrives together at the same point, voices blended. We all lose if someone comes in first! There is nothing like a well-constructed round for honing acute and accurate listening skills.

The piano accompaniment is written very simply, but can easily be vamped up or embellished as desired (same as old times figured bass). The chord structure helps to hold the voices together, both rhythmically and harmonically. Note that the voice leads in on the upbeat, hence the blank first bar.

Figure Of 8

*from STONES HILL SONGS*

🎶 This very simple, repetitive song has a flow to it (the 6/8 meter)

to match the figure-of-8 drawing in the air. It's a way to get children doing this particular move, inscribing a racetrack like an eight ON ITS SIDE with the crossing point of the 8 just in front of the body. It can be done with each hand separately (or as the song suggests, fingers, forearm - this adds the element of isolating body parts), or with both together if possible. You can also try it with your nose for fun, or a foot - why not? The figure-of-8 can be drawn small or large - most important is to try and keep the crossing-point in the midline of the body.

This is considered to be a deeply integrating movement as it involves crossing the midline of the body, engaging sense of laterality, co-ordination between left/right, and spatial awareness. The integration happens as the 2 hemispheres of the brain work together on both sides of the body. It is a move that is part of the Brain Gym program used by many educators and is also used therapeutically to treat with people with neural conditions.

Some children may struggle to process this initially, but with time and practice it comes. It is common to find that adults with head injuries or strokes will find this move tricky. When it's going, try tracking the hand moves with the eyes, but watch out for dizziness: if this is a problem, keep the eyes focused more or less on the middle crossing point.

This particular song also encourages the quality of flowing mobility in movement, a perpetual motion that finds its own natural rhythm. The song provides a framework for this, and children will feel a sense of accomplishment as they master the co-ordination of this activity. Once on the (race)track, their bodies will learn how to move with ease, grace and flow through this move. Having a song makes it easier to do with a whole class of children at once, either sitting or standing.

It may not be rocket science, but these seemingly simple activities are where essential connections are made in growing bodies. The only way to build these healthy connections is through movement (and touch - but that is another subject). Our bodies are first and foremost designed to MOVE.

As with all the Stones Hill songs, this can be sung unaccompanied - your own voice is always good enough. The funny instrument introducing the recording is a nose flute - I find it a handy snazzy tool for crowd control: its ear-catching high pitch snaps attention when needed.

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Creepy Crawly

*from STONES HILL SONGS*

This song uses a simple soh-me tune, the ubiquitous childlike chant used the world over for the good reason that it is the starting block of all singing (and talking). We instinctively sing chants to our very young using this note pattern, as singing connects dots in the neural pathways of the brain that process language. So as we sing-song to our babies, they are picking up language. How amazingly we are made!

There is a wise Zimbabwean proverb that says: IF YOU CAN TALK YOU CAN SING (and further, if you can walk you can dance). Most interesting are studies showing how adults with head/ brain injuries and resultant speech problems are sometimes able to sing but not talk. And singing is frequently used to treat speech difficulties. So we sing with our young for fun, the most natural and accessible way to develop language and vocabulary.

At the same time, this song is using skills of fine motor coordination (try doing those creepy crawly fingers for some time!), spatial awareness, body image, motor planning - a host of desirable elements that are learnt best through participation and action. Add the rhythmic timing element and see what a rich pot is on the brew all at once!

We do each line twice with the adult leading and the children echo-singing afterwards (not done on this demo video). This also allows more time to experience and play with each action. Imitation games are a great way to learn at this age. If you play with your voice (squeaky/ scary/ extra slow/ extra soft/ low/ high) the children will copy you faithfully. Try it.

Creepy crawler creepy crawler on the floor....through the door
up my leg...... on my head
heading down...... on the ground......round and round
in the air..... in my hair
gone inside..... off to hide

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

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Round the garden

from STONES HILL SONGS

This one takes a well-known old rhyme and takes it a bit further. This teddybear is going to do a bit of exploring around the garden and find places to play... use this song with its easy repetitive formula to fire up the imagination. It could be incorporated into a story to set the scene.

This song stimulates language and vocabulary development while practising skills of fine motor co-ordination and motor-planning. All good reasons to include songs such as this in young growing lives!

Round and round the garden just like a teddybear
I'm one step, two steps, more steps up to see what might be there
I've found a patch of hairy bush - I think I'll stay and play
I'm heading down, I'm heading home, I've finished for the day

.... I've found a pair of shapely shells (ears)....
.... I've found two marbles rolling round (eyes)...
......I've found a soft and pointy tip (nose)...
.....I've found a warm and cosy cave (mouth)...
.....I've found a pair of squashy beds (cheeks)...
.....I've found two rows of stepping stones (teeth)...
......Another soft and pointy tip (chin)....

Stay and play with each part a bit longer - move it, feel it, make sounds with it, see what each bit can do while you're there.

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

Friday, March 1, 2019

I went shopping

*from STONES HILL SONGS*

I WENT SHOPPING WITH MY MOTHER,
I LOVE SHOPPING WITH MY MUM.
LOOK IN THE BAG AND SEE WHAT WE HAVE BOUGHT:
WE HAVE BANANAS IN THE BAG.

🎶This song from the Stones Hill collection is a passing-game-cum-memory-game to fire up cognitive connections and imagination. It uses repetitive add-ons and visual cues to aid the memory. It is so simple in fact that there is no need to write the music score nor any more words as you will add them yourselves, making up as you go along.

Sit the children in a circle, pass a shopping bag round and when it gets to the "look in the bag" bit, rumble a dramatic drum roll on the knees while the lucky one gets to decide what to put in the bag. This little bit, of course, they sing solo, sometimes hardly realizing it.

Tip #1: Once a child has had a turn they have to learn to pass the bag quickly to those who still need one. In a large group, it's helpful if the remaining children sit with their hands up so that the bag can be passed timeously to them. They will ALL WANT A TURN!

Tip #2: When remembering a long shopping list, it helps to point at the person who named the food, in order if possible. Memory is aided by face+item.

Tip #3: You could precede the song with a discussion about foodstuffs, and decide that you can only buy vegetables, or fruit, or no junk food. Or you could say, we are shopping for a party with all the sweets and cakes. Your call!

Tip #4: Have a reusable shopping bag, rather than a plastic one, and discuss the whole throwaway issue, pertinent to our consumer driven culture. Raise awareness.

Tip #5: Modulate up (as it does in the recorded song) to stretch and challenge the voice. Sing it in different styles - operatic, jazz, sotto voce soft, or use a tired exasperated mom-voice.

HAVE FUN!

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