Imagine That - SWIS Lesson Plan 5

Time flies! We are already at Lesson 5 of the curricula. The kids have been wonderful and a joy to be with. Every single one of them! I am beginning to see their personalities ( especially the new kids). This bunch of kids are so teachable and eager to learn. I am proud of them!

For this week, it will be a combination of old and new songs. I will be introducing a new song called Obwisana. This is a popular children's play song from Ghana in West Africa. The translation is : Oh, Gramma, I just hurt my hand on a rock". I am going to use this song to teach the children a simple sequencing pattern with their hands. It involves a series of movements which in turn encourages turn taking. Turn taking requires self control and the ability to postpone one's wishes, which when mastered, will enhance social skill of a child.

We are also going to use Obwisana during parent time activity and we will incorporate egg shakers into the activity.

We will do My Tree House again but this time I am hoping for more suggestions from the kids, especially the quieter ones in class.

Two more new songs which will be introduced are Like a Leaf or a Feather and Windy Weather. Both activities involve whole body movements. The first one, the kids will be encouraged to move like a leaf and they will help give me suggestions how a leaf move - swaying, twirling, swirling....When movement verbs are introduced and experienced in the context of a related movement activity, a child's vocabulary and understanding of words is expanded.

Windy Weather is an activity that highlights blowing - which benefit both the speaking and singing voice by strengthening the diaphragm and lungs. In Family Activity #5 in the Family Activity book, there are suggestions of what you can do with your kid at home to enhance this skill.

We will also be introduced to a instrument called the metronome which is an instrument musicians use to keep beat. We will work with parents as a team to the song Ha Ha this is Way and to keep to the beat of the metronome.

Homework (!!): Bring something you can find at the park next week to class. Thanks mums and dads.....