What a cute little book! I don't know if you've ever read it or not but it is worth the 2 minutes. It is an easy read of course. This book, by Joy Cowley, is perfect for the pre-k, kindergarten, or first grade student.
I read to my music classes regularly. When I do, I try find musical elements within the books. This is one book I just couldn't pass up! Who wouldn't want to watch kids explore as they play in the mud like a cow, pig, or duck? Plus, hearing them make the sounds of the animals (or the mud) makes me smile every time.
The thing that clinched it for me was listening to my oldest daughter create an ostinato as I read to our youngest daughter at home. She couldn't resist the "wishy washy, wishy washy" in the story. That's when I knew it was destined to be a classroom piece.
And I couldn't resist coming up with 2 other ostinatos. Notice that I is 2 beats, II is 4 beats, and III is 8 beats.
If you wanted to, you could turn III into a call & response piece using the sounds of the animals: cow (moo), pig (oink), duck (quack), mud (squish).
I read to my music classes regularly. When I do, I try find musical elements within the books. This is one book I just couldn't pass up! Who wouldn't want to watch kids explore as they play in the mud like a cow, pig, or duck? Plus, hearing them make the sounds of the animals (or the mud) makes me smile every time.
The thing that clinched it for me was listening to my oldest daughter create an ostinato as I read to our youngest daughter at home. She couldn't resist the "wishy washy, wishy washy" in the story. That's when I knew it was destined to be a classroom piece.
And I couldn't resist coming up with 2 other ostinatos. Notice that I is 2 beats, II is 4 beats, and III is 8 beats.
If you wanted to, you could turn III into a call & response piece using the sounds of the animals: cow (moo), pig (oink), duck (quack), mud (squish).
Process: I did a quick read of the book with my second grade classes and then taught them the ostinatos after they explored the sounds and movements. After they got comfortable with each of the ostinatos I divided them into groups and added a second and then a third. Within 10-15 minutes the classes were ready to make a rough recording.
The recording process was really good for the students because it recreated a performance kind of atmosphere. In addition, it gave me a good starting point for the year. I will have to upload one of the versions later on.
I plan on trying this with my first graders down the road but it is way too early right now! Hope you enjoy.
UPDATE: Here is a rough version of the ostinatos together
The recording process was really good for the students because it recreated a performance kind of atmosphere. In addition, it gave me a good starting point for the year. I will have to upload one of the versions later on.
I plan on trying this with my first graders down the road but it is way too early right now! Hope you enjoy.
UPDATE: Here is a rough version of the ostinatos together
wishy_washy_wyss.mp3 |