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Music
Lullabies
In Katherine’s Quilt, Momma sings a soft lullaby to Katherine about
her special dreaming quilt. Students can listen to the CD and hear
Momma and Katherine sing this lullaby together. Students can
interview their parents to find out what kind of lullabies or songs
their parents sang to them as babies. Share the music and lyrics of
these songs in the classroom. Students can write words for their
own lullaby to a familiar tune about a special memory their family
shares.
Rhythm in Poetry – Lucy’s Rhymes
Lucy’s
Rhymes
Give me
my thimble
Thread
the needle for me
Knot
three strands
Stitch one, two, three.
The French
Knot
Loop
the thread around the needle,
Four
then five, then six times more,
Bring
the needle back where you started
And push it toward the
floor.
The Button
Hole
The button hole stitch protects
the edges
And tacks the clothing
down
Just
when you trace the outside part
You circle back around.
The Briar Stitch
The briar stitch has all the
fun
Running
this way crossing that,
Like cursive writing with my
thread
I’m dressing up your hat.
I.
Speak all together in strict rhythm. Pat knees on the strong beat
and clap the weak beat.
II.
Speak all together, but creatively change voice sounds high, low,
soft, loud – each student in his or her own way.
III.
Add a rhythmic ostinato (a short, repeated pattern) for the
accompaniment. For example – clap, clap-clap, clap, clap-clap,
stomp, stomp, snap.
IV.
While part of the class does the ostinato, the rest of the class
says the poem in rhythm. (Hint – the ostinato should be simple and
a rhythm that complements, but is distinctively different than the
rhythm of the poem.) Ostinatos may also be spoken. Here is an
example – “One more thread. Make a pillow for your head!” Add body
movements. For example, snap to the rhythm on the first line while
swaying back and forth. Turn around on the next line with your head
resting on your hands.
V.
Speak in canon. One part of the class begins the poem after the
first part of the class reaches the word me.
VI.
Create a form. Suggestion – Begin with everyone saying the poem
together softly. When the poem is finished, have part of the class
perform the ostinato two times through. Add the other part of the
class chanting the poem with varied inflections. Close with everyone
chanting the poem together very softly. This form is ABA. The
canon suggestion (#4) may be used in the ostinato section as well,
or a longer rondo form may be developed that would go from:
-
All
Chanting
-
Ostinato
-
All
Chanting
-
Canon
-
All
Chanting. Speak all together in strict rhythm. Pat knees on the
strong beat and clap the weak beat.
VII.
Next try using rhythm in poetry for Katherine’s Lullaby.
Katherine’s Lullaby
With every stitch and every hour
Every hat and every flower
This family quilt was made to keep
And give you comfort while you sleep.
Stories to remember, stories to add
Stories of your children’s Momma and Dad
As you close your eyes to dream
Remember the love in every seam.
You are loved a special way
To last forever and a day.
