3rd grade
Sicilian Tarantella – Dance
“Tarantella” is connected to the tarantula. (The words derive from the town of Taranto, Italy.) In the 15th to 17th centuries, it was thought that this dance would cure tarantism, which is a disease or type of hysteria which seemed …
Tahitian dance with Puili Sticks
Puili sticks are normally made from bamboo and used in Hawaii, Tahiti, and other Polynesian islands. You could make your own with paper towel rolls. (Cut slits a third of the way down each tube. Optional: Have students decorate their own.) …
Yang Ge – Chinese Dance
Meaning “rice sprout song,” this dance originates in Northern China and expresses happiness. I found the dance on youtube and adapted the steps for 3rd graders. (Download available below.) The Chinese fans often have very fluffy feathers, so the students attached …
Native American Basket Dance
This dance celebrates the harvest. (See below for download.) I found the dance on youtube and adapted the steps for 3rd graders. In art class, students decorated the “baskets” (paper plates) with Native American symbols. Here are some authentic baskets …
3rd Grade Rhythm Activity
Lesson ideas 1. Begin with echoing rhythms. I say rhythms (in 4/4), they echo rhythms. Instead of clapping like I usually do, I ask students to pantomime playing alternating mallets in the air. For half notes, they only play once and …
Music Program: This is My Country
I used this program with 3rd grade. This Land is Your Land America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee) The Star Spangled Banner When Johnny Comes Marching Home Grand Old Flag This is My Country This Land is Your Land (Small …
Music Program: Freedom
I used this program with 3rd graders. Songs Choices (We are American) – Teresa Jennings Battle Cry of Freedom – (Civil War Song) Oh Freedom Come and Go with Me Freedom (from Shenandoah) The Voices of Pride – Ned Ginsburg …
Music Program: Music is Everywhere
For this program, I chose songs that reflect how music has meaning. I used this program with 3rd graders. Music Alone Shall Live Thula Klizeo (Joseph Shabalala “Be still my heart, even here I am at home” – dance from Zulu …
Old King Cole
Lyrics (Folk song) Old King Cole was a merry old soulAnd a merry old soul was he.He called for his pipe and his called for his bowlAnd he called for his fiddlers three. Every fiddler had a fiddleAnd a very …
Hula Hoop Rhythms
Use hula hoops in 4 different colors (red, orange/yellow, green and blue). You can also make your own. Use plastic tubing covered by electrical tape. (It’s a little cheaper, and you can make the hoops a little smaller and easier …
