Last week, I wrote about five ways you could review rhythm in your elementary music classroom. You can read that post HERE. Today, I’m going to discuss five ways you can review pitch in the elementary music classroom. I’ll be discussing activities that range from simple clapping games and vocal exploration to how you can use manipulatives to review mi, so, and la. Whether you’re a fan of Feierabend, Kodály, Orff, Gordon, or a combination, there’s sure to be an idea here that will work well with your curriculum.
VOCAL EXPLORATION
Vocal exploration is a great option if you’re looking to review the basics of high and low pitches. It allows students an opportunity to manipulate their singing voices, without the confinements of needing to match a specific pitch. It also helps them to feel what it’s like to make their voices go higher and lower. Best of all, it’s a great way to help them explore their head voices. You can download a free vocal exploration game, as well as learn more about it HERE.
DO, RE, & MI with LONG LEGGED SAILOR
Long Legged Sailor has a catchy melody and fun accompanying movements. It’s great for reviewing pitches do, re, and mi. The repetition makes it great for kindergarten or first grade students. The accompanying clapping game adds an extra challenge for second grade students. You could also infuse some creativity by asking students to compose new verses to fit the song. You can read more about this song and activity HERE.
MI, SO, & LA with PLAINSIES CLAPSIES
Plainsies Clapsies uses mi, so and la. You can use medium-sized balls to accompany the movement activity and to further emphasize the direction of pitches. Use a two-line staff and manipulatives to practice writing mi, so, and la on the staff. See how I use manipulatives and more details for using this song HERE.
MI & SO with RAIN, RAIN
Rain, Rain gives you the perfect opportunity to pull out instruments for all of your students (at any grade level). Younger students can play on Boomwhackers™, bells, or Orff instruments. Meanwhile, older students can play this piece on their recorders, ukuleles, or guitars. This song presents an opportunity to discuss the concept of moveable do. For example, you can teach this song on recorder using C and A or G and E. Watch the videos and discover other ways to use this song HERE.
BASICS OF PITCH
Basics of Pitch is a fantastic resource to review the concept of pitch; how it looks, how it sounds, and how it feels. It’s an interactive PowerPoint slideshow, which can be used for whole-class instruction or as a center activity. It’s the perfect tool to help catch students up without losing precious instructional time. You can read all the details and see a full preview HERE.
