Life Doesn't Frighten Me

Just in time for the spookiest time of the year, both Mr. Wetherbee and Mrs. Wagner's classes have created sound poems to Maya Angelou's poem "Life Doesn't Frighten Me." They are on the music player just to your right. They have similarities and differences, but both convey the feeling of the poem. Enjoy them! Which one is your favorite and why?

Mrs. Melkonian

Sign Language

Hello!

I just added the song "All I Really Need" to the playlist so you can practice your sign language. Try teaching a few of the signs to someone at home!

Can you sing and show the sign language at the same time?

Have a great day!

Ms. Ginger

Take Time In Life

I have really enjoyed listening to my students in grades 3, 4 and 5, sing one of my favorite songs this week, "Take Time In Life." This song is a West African song from the country of Liberia and has a positive message for us all. Our students have stated what is means to them to "Take Time in Life" and I hope they are able to share the song with their families and friends. Many classes have asked to perform it for their teachers, and of course I always love when students want to share and show off their beautiful music!

Can you sing this song for someone at home?

I was passing by, somebody called to me

And they said to me, "you better take time in life."

Better take time in life,

Better take time in life,

Better take time in life,

'Cause you've got far way to go.

Drumming

Congrats, fifth grade students, on a fantastic start in drumming this year. In our study of Ghanaian drumming, we've learned how to hit the drum (very light bounces) and where to hit it (closed and open tones). We've begun with simple echo patterns as well as question and answer patterns. Your musical responses have been very creative, but most of all danceable, as all Ghanaian music should be!

Although I miss hearing you sing through class, our short African songs are sounding really nice. The "School Registration" song has been so much fun to sing and "Take Time In Life" will soon be ready for instruments.

What has been your favorite part of class so far this year?