St. Mary of the Angels, Chicago, IL - September 3-September 12
For our first two weeks in our music and arts classes we have had a focus on Hawaiian culture!
In
grades K-8 we learned about hala trees and their importance in Hawaiian
agriculture. Then we sang a traditional Hawaiian song which celebrates
these trees: Nani wale na hala, meaning lovely are the hala trees. Miss
Harrington even brought in her ukulele to accompany us!
We
learned to hula to a popular song "The Hukilau" in grades K-6; the song
describes the ancient hawaiian fishing technique. Grades 2-4 learned a
puili stick dance using classroom rhythm sticks to imitate the
traditional bamboo instruments; kindergarten and first grade rolled up
newspapers as softer versions of the puili sticks since one of the
playing techniques is to alternate between hitting the two sticks
together and lightly tapping them on your shoulders. Kindergarten &
first grade played our own version of pass the coconut, much like hot
potato, but added our own twist: we passed the "coconut" in the opposite
direction whenever we heard a chord change on the ukulele. Grades 3-5
worked on tiki art to create tiki candle holders out of recycled tin
cans.
Arguably one of Hawaii's most famous songs is "Aloha 'Oe." We learned the refrain in hawaiian and many students recognized it from Disney's animated film, Lilo & Stitch:
The last song we sang before saying Aloha to Hawaii was Pearly Shells, which has been recorded by Don Ho & Burl Ives. We learned the motions that accompany the hula as well; you can learn it easily by watching this singalong video:
Kindergarten
made pineapples in art, which are the international symbol of
hospitality and one of the sweet tropical fruits that grow in Hawaii. We
had to trace and cut out our hands with a partner, and draw our own
pineapple pattern or design. Kindergarten also made their own flower
leis out of paper yarn and penne pasta. It was fun to go on a virtual
vacation while celebrating the last few days of summer weather before
the Fall chill. We are excited for our next musical adventure!!
In
addition to our Hawaiian influences, Junior high learned a drawing
style called Zentangle. This style is a traditionally black and white
inked technique often used for meditative purposes. We followed up with a
second project which added color to individualize and hone this
technique with our growing understanding. Inspired by Jimmy Fallon &
the Roots' cover of popular hits, the 7/8 grade class also began
recreating a pop song by using classroom instruments in music class;
instruments ranged from the xylphone, drums, triangles, and Sonny even
attempted the accordion!
Our first day in preschool music, Miss
Harrington brought a set of bongos and a class set of tambourines. We
learned how to play the tambourine three different ways and also played a
musical game of follow the leader using the instruments. We helped
keep the steady beat and identified what materials the tambourine is
made out of. Then we sang a silly song perfect for the shaking of a
tambourine. Mrs. Wagner & Mrs. Murphy's classes also sang songs
about frogs: Five Green & Speckled Frogs, Frog Song (Hear the Lively
Songs), and Gump Gump Went the Little Green Froggy. Miss Harrington
brought her frog guiro which sounds like a croaking frog, and students
helped animate the songs with the instrument and frog manipulatives
& visuals.
To
celebrate our Blessed Mother's birthday, Grades 1-3 made grottos using
torn paper, Popsicle sticks, and classroom art supplies. Later in the
day, classes prayed in our school grotto which has a statue of Mary.
Some students made birthday cards for Mary.
Second grade had a collaborative art project that was met with some mixed emotions. Each student was given a paper and a two minute free draw. Without knowing in advance, they were to pass the paper from person to person at their table and each person would add their own ideas to the paper. This particular project teaches us to be flexible and creative artists, to work as a team and be supportive, and to be open to a developing vision.
Grades 3-4 practiced their cursive in art by
making an art piece using only their name in cursive. Students tiled and
snaked their page with dozens of repetitions of their names to create
individual shapes. We added value by filling the shapes with color. Some projects took on a pattern or design; one resembles a fire-breathing dragon with wings!
What an exciting first two weeks back!
