First graders delve more into reading traditional music notation.  We do this in varying ways.  Starting the year we learn more about musical "shapes" and patterns.  I start the year with one of my favorite books:  Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad, Day, by Judith Viorst.  I read the story to them and we talk about the recurring phrase that is the title.  We clap that rhythm.  We break into groups and play rhythms as we read along, using percussion.  We explore how dynamics add emotion and feeling.   Throughout the year, we also look at the rhythms in poems and in songs and add body percussion and movements and/or instruments.  We also use technology  ( as in the photo to the left) as an extra learning resource.

We learn about music and instruments from around the world. and work on songs in preparation for a concert we will do for parents in late November and early December. 

In the New Year we have lots of Holiday, seasonal and cultural music to choose from.  From New Year's resolutions, to St. Patrick's day, to spring and animal habitats. We end the year learning some American folk songs that are fun and silly.