Music Around the World--Session 2--Week 3--Latin America

What a fun day we had in our third day of Music Around the World! We learned about Latin America and the exciting music that this country has to offer. We were introduced to two of their favorite instruments the guiro and the maracas. We also enjoyed two of their favorite songs, "La Raspa", and a traditional Latin American song, "De Colores." Check out our video from our fun day and some of our favorite pictures.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zeUX7xaT6aZJTJTAbhF8XLA-kMOjU6My/view?usp=sharing

Exciting Energy

This week we have been learning about light, heat, and sound energy. We discovered that our sun is our greatest sort of light and heat for our world. We created a circle map where we drew pictures of items that give off light. Then, we covered our pictures with glitter to illustrate the light that they give off.

Then, we studied about heat energy (thermal energy) and took this fun opportunity to use a heat source to make hot chocolate. We also used our hot chocolate to melt candy canes and discussed some of the effects heat can have on objects.

Finally, we learned about the science of sound and how sound energy can be used to make music. We learned about how our vocal chords work and felt them vibrate. Then, we explored musical instruments made out of recyclable materials. We also created our own shakers and had a sing-a-long. Here are some videos from our explorations with sound:

https://vimeo.com/249894035

https://vimeo.com/249894073

Music Around the World--A Christmas Edition

I was blessed this semester to be able to host our fourth year of Music Around the World with our Kindergarten-Second Grade students here at Watson MST. Together with forty of our talented students, we learned about the different songs and instruments that countries around our world have to offer. After enjoying our Music Around the World Club together for eight weeks, we had the opportunity to present everything that we had learned to our parents and school family at our Music Around the World Celebration Night--A Christmas Edition. I was so very proud of our boys and girls! They did a fantastic job! I want to thank our school family, our friends, and our wonderful Watson families for joining us in this celebration by attending our performance and showing us all such great love and support. In conjunction with our Music Around the World Club, we are participating in a service project benefiting Josh Groban's Find You Light Foundation. Working together for a special cause, my Kindergarten class and my Music Around the World Club, are selling "Cookies for Quarters" at all of our music events here at Watson this year. My Music Around the World Club also sold dvds of their performance to help raise funds for this important service project. I am excited to see how much we can raise this year to help others in need. Thank you for allowing me the great privilege of working with your wonderful students and celebrating the universal language of music together. I had a wonderful time, and I look forward to watching our students as they continue to "Find Their Light" and "Shine On"! Here is a link to our slide show and some pictures from this exciting event.

Slide Show

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mZA_utKEDgRYQHsx3OaAPgRmgkay7cww/view?usp=sharing

Merry Christmas!

This week we have been studying Christmas and creating many different Christmas crafts in celebration of this holiday season. Some of our exciting projects included pinecone Christmas trees, stocking books, addition Christmas trees, Rudolph made using our feet and hands, a countdown to Christmas bell, cereal Christmas trees, and fruit loop candy canes. I have also included a sweet moment during our week when our Kindergartners burst into song on their own. It warmed my heart to see and hear the sweet spirit of Christmas ringing through our room. In that moment, I was reminded of and felt the magic of Christmas, and I hope you do too! 

                                                              https://vimeo.com/247571747

We culminated our fun week with an exciting Christmas party today! We had a great time enjoying our friends, eating great food, and making Christmas ornaments. Special thanks to our room mom for all of the hard work that she put into our party! The kids had a wonderful time! I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you in January!