Melody Map
This activity is good for both 8 to 11 year olds, and 3 to 7 year olds. The focus will be different for the two different groups of children.
Find out much more about melody maps here - http://www.toteachachildasong.com/melody-maps.html
Beforehand Activity
Make a melody map. Instructions for how to make a melody map are included in Appendix C of the book "To Teach a Child a Song."
Activity
Post the posters for the melody map up at the front of the room. I do not put them in the right order. Ask the children, "What do you see? What do you notice?" Receive their answers. (They will often say things like, "I see colors." "I see circles (or squares)." "I see a car shape." "I see mountains.") Ask the children, "What do these shapes and maps have to do with this song?" Sing the song. Receive their answers. Ask appropriate questions like, "What does this color stand for?"
Benefits of this Activity
This activity is good for both 8 to 11 year olds, and 3 to 7 year olds. The focus will be different for the two different groups of children.
Find out much more about melody maps here - http://www.toteachachildasong.com/melody-maps.html
Beforehand Activity
Make a melody map. Instructions for how to make a melody map are included in Appendix C of the book "To Teach a Child a Song."
Activity
Post the posters for the melody map up at the front of the room. I do not put them in the right order. Ask the children, "What do you see? What do you notice?" Receive their answers. (They will often say things like, "I see colors." "I see circles (or squares)." "I see a car shape." "I see mountains.") Ask the children, "What do these shapes and maps have to do with this song?" Sing the song. Receive their answers. Ask appropriate questions like, "What does this color stand for?"
Benefits of this Activity