PAL Performing Arts - Videos from Lesson (2)

Dear 1F children, the actions and rhythms you have created to accompany your singing of 'Walking Through the Jungle' were awesome. I am sure you and your family will have a great time viewing the videos below. Enjoy.

Programme for Active Learning - Performing Arts

Lesson (1) - Sounds Around Us [Part 1], 28/03/2012

For Term 2, 1F pupils were exposed to music and dance activities for PAL, under Performing Arts. At the beginning of the 1st lesson, the children was introduced to the term 'personal space'. I like the analogy used by Ms Cherlyn, the trainer, to explain it. The children had to imagine that each one of them is a bubble and that they might 'burst' if they touch one another. Everyone had lots of fun moving about freely and trying not to bump into their peers. Their laughter sounded like melodious music to the ears.

Through video, singing and actions, 1F pupils realised that music can be loud/soft, long/short, high/low, and fast/slow. It was a delight to see and hear them working in groups to come up with their own sounds and actions.

Lesson (2): Sounds Around Us [Part 2] - 04/04/2012

In the 2nd lesson, 1F pupils were introduced to the concept of 'body percussion', that is, making sounds using the different parts of our body. I am impressed by the interesting sounds the children made using their lips, cheeks, hands, fingers, feet, even their tummies. I hope the children appreciated the diversity among them that made the lesson so fun-filled.

After a snack break, the children worked in their own groups to practise the sounds and actions they designed in the 1st lesson. Each group then performed in front of the class. There was a lot of applause and cheers from the audience. I am sure such positive reactions boosted the confidence of everyone.

Lesson (3): Rhythms Alive - 11/04/2012

1F children started the 3rd lesson by working together to design a flag to represent their groups - Tall Tribe, Crazy Crocodile, Bluebirds, Super Snakes and Laughing Lions.

I observed the children from a distance. Some groups worked cooperatively, taking turns to listen to ideas from their peers and sharing their own ideas. Even when the group members disagreed, they appeared to resolve it quickly. I am proud of them for ironing out their differences and still enjoying the collaboration process.

One group took a longer time to complete the task. I could hear someone insisting on his idea being adopted by the group and yet was not receptive to suggestions from his peers. This caused some children in the group to be unhappy and inevitably, quarrels could be heard. I had to intervene at several points to stop the dispute and showed them how to continue the discussion. At times, I had to use timeout for the domineering child, to give him the space to reflect on how his behaviour affected others.

I hope 1F pupils will continue to respect others and be a great team player.

Ms Cherlyn showed 1F pupils some musical instruments - percussion using bins and drum sticks, and shakers (beans in water bottles). This arouse great interest. The children's smiles almost melted my heart. I could sense their eagerness to try out these instruments. Me too.

Ms Cherlyn used interesting slides to reinforce the music notes and beats. The children had great fun creating sound to the beats of the notes.

Lesson (4): In the Mighty Jungle - 18/04/2012

The children started the lesson by moving freely around the room as their favourite animals. This is a good way for them to unwind as they were feeling tired. Laughter and fun is really a great cure.

Later, the children sat in a circle. Many squealed in delight when Ms Cherlyn distributed the music instruments to them. Some could hardly contain their thrills and started tapping on the bins or making sounds with the shakers. Everyone had a great time making sounds and beats. I am happy to share their joy.

In the 4th lesson, the pupils not only have to sing to the tune of 'Walking Through the Jungle', they also had to think of actions and beats to accompany the singing. That was no easy task yet our children gamely took up the challenge. I am sure they had a wonderful time.

A big THANK YOU to our trainer, Ms Cherlyn, for such engaging sessions. I really look forward to the next 4 lessons with her. I am sure our children share my sentiments.