Cities! Lesson 8

Hiya folks, enjoyed the photos? The internet at my house was down for the past four days and I was getting cranky because I wanted so much to post those photos.

This is going to be a brief lesson plan this week. I have tonnes of of mails to reply to!

We will be learning a new song this week Sorida. I quote:

"Sorida" is a term of greeting in Shona, a language spoken in Zimbabwe. Children in Zimbabwe participate in games that are inspired by (or actually based on) traditional rhythm patterns which are used by adult ensembles. This song offers the children the opportunity to learn cross-rhythms, where the child sings in one rhythm and uses another in the motions. While this song is a lot of fun, in Africa it serves as a training ground for musical and social skills which later will be essential as youth seeks to become a full member of the society.

Let Your Voice Be Heard! Songs from Ghana and Zimbabwe ( 1997)

Using hand motions, we will learn the rhythm of this African greeting. At the same time we are developing our fine motor skills - which skills are important such as putting together a simple puzzle, painting, or stringing beads.

We will be learning about different occupation and explore the characteristic movements involved in particular type of work as we pretend to 'work' like the chosen person while playing and moving to San Sereni.

San Sereni is a singing game popular with young children in Puerto Rico. In the original game, the children form a circle around one child. This child plays the part of San Sereni and pantomines the action and sounds of the shoemaker, carpenter etc.


Here we come a walking - down the sidewalk as we go zig zagging, jumping over puddles and going over bridge as we explore the city in our class. Children get the opportunity to move in different pathways and develop eye and body coordination.

Remember your resonator bars this week. We will be playing to Steeple Bells as we learn how to play the bars with alternate hand movements, just like a tolling bell. Sorry for this brief note. More next week I promise! See you in class.