Thanksgiving

  • I had a teacher ask if I could recommend one of my books for some Thanksgiving activities. I had to say Farm Songs and the Sounds of Moosic. Turkey Feathers and Shoo Turkey are huge hits in November with all our preschool and kindergarten classes. Well, first and second graders want to do them again too. Combined, they give teachers all they could want in a music lesson. Turkey Feathers gives an opportunity for solo singing (pitch matching) while learning colors and using bright visuals (the pattern is in the back of the book and easy to make). Shoo Turkey includes lots of movement and a variety of instrument playing, both to a beat and improvised. Squeels of delight come from the kids as they do their turkey strut from instrument to instrument - of course, you must have the song repeat because they don't want it to stop! I am thankful for making music with so many children, parents and teachers. It adds so much joy to our lives. Offering music making opportunities as these children grow older will build stronger communities. Keep fighting for music in the schools.

8 comments
  • Lynn Kleiner
    Lynn Kleiner I just had another Thanksgiving question. I am answering all email questions in the Music Box forum under "Ask Lynn questions". If you need more Thanksgiving ideas, I mentioned 4 others for you. I'm so excited to have a place to answer questions an...  more
    November 13, 2010
  • Anne Haacke
    Anne Haacke Just finished teaching three classes this morning. "Shoo Turkey" drum circle was an absolute hit! The room was so vibrant and the children and parents were having so much fun! Interestingly, one of the classes has never "jelled" very well this semester...  more
    November 16, 2010
  • William Rustrum
    William Rustrum Both songs are great. What I have done with Turkey Feathers is add a Turkey Gobbler which you can shake and make Turkey sounds. I hide it behind the felt board and when one of the children puts the feather on the Turkey, I shake the Gobbler and the kids g...  more
    November 16, 2010
  • Heather Monro
    Heather Monro I have to agree with you Lynn, especially about Shoo Turkey. I run music classes at a childcare centre each week. I started teaching Shoo Turkey at the beginning of the year with the 5 year olds. They still ask for it every week. I don't always do it, but...  more
    November 23, 2010