Lesson 1!

Lesson 1: The old days

Concepts: Learning basic rhythms

Preparation:

• Make sure that there is enough space for the children to dance and move.

• The teacher needs to know how to waltz

• A waltz is when you give one step forward with your left foot, then step right with your rightfoot and then step with your left foot so that both feet are together. (See attached video for reference)

Introduction:

The teacher tells the kids that for today they are living in the olden days

Exercise 1:

In earlier years, the world was plagued by war, and all the men had to go and fight. The military men marched like this: one two, one two. 

This rhythm is called two-time. 

Let the children then march like the military men and let everyone count together in two-time. 

Exercise 2:

When the men finally came home, they all celebrated together with big parties. The women wore large, fancy dresses, and everyone danced a dance called a waltz. The waltz typically has a three-time rhythm. Three-time goes like this: one two three, one two three. Show the children how to do a simple waltz. (Refer to our video if you need assistance.) Let all the children step gracefully in three-time while counting together. One count is equivalent to one step. (We are heading towards the side for more clarity on the movements. You don't have to go to the side!) To make it easier for the children, have them count together while performing the movement. 

Exercise 3:

The next morning was Sunday, but none of the old uncles went to church. A young boy had to wake up the men each time with the song: "Frère Jacques" (Father Jacob).

The song is counted in sets of 4, and you are going to clap the rhythm. One clap is equivalent to one count. Play the sound recording available on the website. To make it easier, have the children count out loud while they clap.

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Here is Father Jacob's tune!