Although these programs were used for first or second grade students, these can be adapted for different grade levels. Click on each image for ideas for programs and collections of songs in each category.
Books
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See also
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I LOVE your stuff!!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you, Deb! That means a lot!
I just ordered the Wee Sing Around the Wold cd and book. Did you have speaking parts for your program?
Mark, did you see this post, too? http://bethsmusicnotes.blogspot.com/2012/08/program-explore-world.html
I’m sure you will be very happy you ordered the Wee Sing book and CD. They are excellent resources!
As for speaking parts, I don’t think I had any for this program. I found that my audiences became talkative during speaking parts. 🙁 However, if you want to do speaking parts, I would suggest having students explain the meaning of certain songs (in English) – or tidbits about the history of the songs, when they are sung… Or, you could have students talk a little bit about each country the songs represent: an interesting fact, or have them say “hello” in the language of that country – something like that. Sometimes I’ve even added short poems in between songs.
Good luck! Also, you could check out my “Songs from other countries” series here: http://bethsmusicnotes.blogspot.com/2012/02/multicultural-songs.html
When you use the folk songs for programs, what do you do for accompaniment? Do you make up your own?
I make up my own accompaniment and record my accompaniment on my keyboard. For the program, I play it back so I can sit in front of the kids and do the motions with them.
Hi Beth!
I’ve been a long-time follower of your blog. As a newer music teacher (this is year three!) I’m always looking for resources. Quick question: how many concerts do you generally have a year? Do you have one for each grade level at your school?
Thank you,
Ashley
Hi Ashley!
One for each grade level would be a LOT, I think! In my career, in one district I did only 1 all-school program, plus a few chorus concerts. In another district, I did two grade level concerts (plus several chorus concerts) per year. In that school I did 1st and 3rd every year, and in my sister school, she did one year, 1st and 4th, and then the next year 2nd and 3rd – so every child had 2 concerts in their elementary experience.
Loved reading about the 1st & 2nd Grade Music Programs! As a parent, it’s wonderful to see young children exposed to music education at such a young age. It’s amazing how much they can learn and grow through these programs. Thanks for sharing, Beth!
I absolutely love the resources you’ve shared for 1st and 2nd grade music programs! The songs are engaging, and I appreciate the variety. Can’t wait to incorporate these into my classroom—thank you for your hard work and creativity!
Hi, Beth! (My friend)
Do you remember Gwendolyn Brooks and District 204 days? I had an evening program for each grade level 1, 2, 3 and 4, plus an All-School Winter Sing, and a day Kindergarten Gingerbread program. “Wow!”
Joelle
Hi Joelle! Of COURSE I remember! I hope your schedule isn’t as rigorous nowadays! <3 Beth