Preschool Composition

It’s always fun to start making up songs with the kids, telling them that they are now composers. We have, by this point, usually introduced one or more of the greats, so they just need to be reminded as to what composition is. They usually relate to the concept of making up your own song. Quite a few children are timid about it at first. They could be shy about improvising a song on the spot in front of their friends; yes, it starts that early, or not be able to think up anything promptly. That’s why I start with the kids who like to ham it up at any opportunity. These guys will be the first to sing, dance or tell a long tale of whatever they are thinking about at the moment. The other children, after seeing this, will at least attempt to compose a song, and whatever material they come up with is greeted with cheers.

That’s why when they came running into the music room yesterday with their stuffed groundhog who they had named Muckmuck, I decided to forego part of the prepared lesson and ask them to make up a song about their stuffed friend. When I realized they were having trouble composing a tune, I gave them a 2 note call and response theme which allowed them to concentrate on the lyrics alone, very easy to remember and the whole class repeated the singer’s line.  They decided that Muckmuck was in the Olympics and therefore their song included many of the Olympic sports: speed skating, curling, bobsleigh, luge, figure skating and, of course, ice hockey. They were clearly keen on their groundhog being an Olympic Athlete.

Catch you next time!

Maria

Tags: Call And Response, Composers, Composition, Groundhog, Lyrics, Music Room