I love starting lessons with movement. Students internalize new melodies and rhythms without realizing that it’s happening. It’s learning in disguise, which is the best kind!
The following is the suggested dance from the Kodály Center.
Formation: Partners face each other in a double line.
1st line of song: Head couple sashays to end of line.
2nd line of song: All swing partners with right arms and back to place.
3rd line of song: Same with left arms.
Repeat with new head couple.
Set students in their formation. Then, model the dance for the students as you sing the song. The lyrics of this song lends itself to the movements. For example, “turn me in a hurry now” helps to remind students to swing during that section. Because of that, your students will pick up on the moves rather quickly. Once students are confidently dancing to the song, encourage them to sing along. Transfer the singing to them slowly, by dropping words or phrases of the song as you go. Continue dropping phrases until students are singing it entirely on their own.
4 Responses
I totally agree about movement- I introduce most songs this way and students catch on must faster (and are much more engaged)! What a great addition to "syncopa" songs- I'd never heard of this one and I'm teaching syncopa this month, actually!
Yay! I'd love to hear how it goes 🙂
I'm not sure I understand the folk dance directions. Could someone post a video of it being done?
Sorry, I've never been able to find a video of it online. Also, it looks like I need to redo the notation so that it's clear which line is which. First line is "Leila that's shoo my love…" second line is "Turn me in a hurry…" and third line is "Turn me in a hurry…" I hope that helps. I'm going to work on changing the notation for more clarity today 🙂