Learn a song about good health and exercise habits.
Perform gross motor movements on the steady beat.
Read and perform Ta and Ti-Ti rhythms.
Learn a two-part song form (AB).
Materials
Recording of "Can Can Polka" by Jacques Offenbach OR accompaniment recording of "We Can-Can Be Healthy Kids"
Four charts for stick notation: (Ta, Ta, Ta, Ta), (Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti, Ta), (Ta, Ta, Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti) and (Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti).
Instructions
Let's warm up our bodies by moving to the steady beat. (Change motions every four beats: pat head four times, tap knees, pound fists, alternate pats, etc.) Play a recording of "The Can Can Polka" by Jacques Offenbach (or play the accompaniment only track for We Can-Can Be Healthy Kids").
Now, let's listen and move to a song about staying healthy. It is called "We Can-Can Be Healthy Kids." (Model the new motions based on the song lyrics.) Be sure to watch the video for this song!
How did we move our bodies in the song? (running, reaching high and low, jumping jacks, kicking front and back, walk, pat laps)
What was the same about our two songs today? (the tune/melody was the same)
Take a sitting break to learn about the parts of the song. The A section of the song uses two rhythms. The B Section uses two different rhythms. (Focus on one rhythm chart per week, if desired! All rhythms do not need to be learned in one class session. )
(A) Ta, Ta, Ta, Ta: Practice this rhythm by patting your lap. Then, listen to the music and pat your lap only when you hear this rhythm. What was sung when we patted the Ta, Ta, Ta, Ta rhythm? (Answers may include: Running in place, Smile on my face, Reach high then low, then watch us grow, into such a healthy bunch of, Jumping Jacks hey, It's the right way, Kick front then back, on the right track, we are such a healthy bunch of kids!)
(A) Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti, Ta: Practice this rhythm by clapping the Ti-Ti and patting the Ta. Then, listen to the music and move only when you hear this new rhythm. What was sung when we patted the Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti, Ta rhythm? (Nothing! There were no words/lyrics for this rhythm.)
(B) Ta, Ta, Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti. Practice with pats on Ta and claps on Ti-Ti. Then, listen to the music and move only when you hear this rhythm. What is sung in the song for this rhythm? (Answers may include: I, I, I am healthy.You, You, You are healthy. We, we we are healthy. Come, come, come and join the,fun fun fun and ev'ryone one one should do their...)
(B) Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti, Ti-Ti: Practice this rhythm with claps. Then, listen to the music and clap only when you hear this rhythm. What was sung in the song for this rhythm? (when we do our exercises)
When all rhythms have been learned (over the course of several sessions), divide the class into two groups: the Exercisers and the Rhythm Band. Distribute instruments to the Rhythm Band, while the Exercisers can perform in a circle around them. Repeat the song and switch parts, if desired.
Perform this song in a program to promote healthy hearts and exercise! (February is American Heart Month!) Remind everyone that exercising helps hearts to grow bigger and stronger every day! Exercising with songs can be fun.
Other Songs You May Be Interested In...
Loading, please wait...
Loading, Please Wait
Get Access...
For full access to all content and features, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial.
You can also view some sample songs and lessons on our sample page.
