Way up High in the Apple Tree

Welcome back to More with Music!
As mentioned in yesterday's post, today I'm sharing a song about apples!

As I searched the web in early September, I found that there are many songs about apples.  I knew I wanted to incorporate a counting aspect within a song and I specifically wanted to incorporate apples at the beginning of the fall season.  As I searched and brainstormed, I came across a poem I've read many times before.  The author is unknown.

Way up high in an apple tree

Two little apples smiled at me.

I shook that tree as hard as I could.

Down came two apples.  Mmmm, they were good!

I really liked this poem and found many versions of it.  Many students I work with are working on rote counting and 1:1 correspondence.  I decided to approach this song with that in mind.  I also added a jazzy feel to it to give it some variety.  

When using this song, I give the students egg shakers.  We use one hand to count apples (1-5) and with each verse, we count and show how many apples are in the tree.  Then, at the end of each verse, we "shake" the apples.  The students have really enjoyed this one and I've enjoyed hearing several students really get in to the jazzy sound of it.

As always, thanks for stopping by!  Have a great week!

A song for November

Welcome back to More with Music!

Fall is in full swing around here.  The leaves are changing colors and painting beautiful pictures each day.
November is that lucky month before December and all of its holidays.  We "fall back" at the beginning of the month and enjoy the extra hour of sleep.  Veterans Day occurs in November, and reminds us of the many things we should be thankful for during this season.
November is also the month when we think about family and close friends as we gather for Thanksgiving towards the end of the month.  Today I'm sharing a song about November.

As I've shared before, I use boardmaker pictures to represent each holiday, season, or special day mentioned in each song of the month.  I like to display the pictures in the order they occur in the song (and during the month).  I've found this to be a great way to display the pictures when I want to assess what pictures the students recognize also.  I can hold out the card for November and ask, "Where is Election Day?" or "Show me Thanksgiving".  Many students can successfully the pictures as well!
As the picture shows below, for the November song I use a picture for the time change, Election Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving.

What are your favorite songs for the fall?
As always, thanks for stopping by!
Stay tuned for a catchy tune about apples tomorrow!