Identify and play repeated rhythm and note patterns.
Identify and move to a two-part AB form.
Materials
Rhythm card/poster: (eighth rest) Ta Ti Ti-Ti Ta Taa
Rhythm sticks
Triangles
Thanksgiving table settings: tablecloth, paper plates, cups, plasticware, napkins, bowls, and centerpiece (cornucopia, turkey stuffed animal, candle, etc.)
Instructions
As you listen to this Thanksgiving song, discover which phrase of the song repeats frequently. Stand up whenever you hear this phrase. (All the people said thanks.)
Once the phrase has been identified, echo-sing the phrase All the people said thanks..
Choose a body motion to perform on the word thanks (clasp hands, bow head, shake own hand, high five, etc.). Practice singing the phrase, then performing the motion.
Learn the rhythm for the phrase: (eighth rest) Ta Ti Ti-Ti Ta Taa. Display rhythm card. This has some uneven rhythms or syncopation. Distribute rhythm sticks to play this rhythmic phrase.
On the refrain, play your rhythm sticks on the phrase All the people said thanks. Add triangles and your body motions to the word thanks.
Echo-sing the words to the verses of the song. Work on using "head voices" to sing the higher pitches lightly, without force. Some singers can feel a vibration between their eyebrows when they sing in their head voice.
Sing the entire song together and play the repeated pattern on the rhythm sticks and triangles.
How many sections does the song have? (two) How are the two sections different? (The second part has the repeated phrase and a changed melody) Write the letters A and B explaining that this is the form of the song, or the way it is organized. Play a form game for this song. (AB)
A: For the A section of the song, choose 5 volunteers to prepare a Thanksgiving table. Set the table with Thanksgiving-themed tablecloth, paper plates, cups, napkins, plasticware, bowls, and a centerpiece. (If unfinished, wait for the next A section to finish.)
B: Walk in a circle around the Thanksgiving table, playing rhythm sticks on the repeated pattern and triangles on thanks. (Sit down when B is finished.)
A: Volunteers finish setting the Thanksgiving table (or choose a new group of 5 volunteers to clear the table!)
B: Walk in a circle, as before.
Repeat the song and form game to give everyone an opportunity to play instruments and to set the Thanksgiving table.
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