What's in the Case?

We began with a guessing game, and each child offered a guess: Could it be a firetruck? A baby doll? Haman? The Keshet children watched eagerly as Nancy opened the case and assembled her flute. The class loves to sing together, and Nancy accompanied us as we sang many of our favorites. We look forward to more 'singing circles' when we return from break, and music-making by the children with our own instruments. 

Making Music!

 In the afternoon program the children decided that they wanted to play the instruments. They enjoyed listening to the sound of each instrument. They did a great job sharing the instruments. They all made beautiful music together!

A New Instrument

We had a nice surprise at circle time. Nancy brought in a small rectangular black box with something inside but we did not know what it was. One of the children guessed a guitar but the box was too small. The children eagerly watched as Nancy opened it and showed everyone what was inside. The box had a blue velvet lining and some shiny pieces. Nancy showed everyone how to put the pieces together to make a....flute! The children and teachers really enjoyed watching and listening to Nancy play the notes and hearing the different sounds that each of the notes made. She even played some familiar songs for us including "Mary Had A Little Lamb." Thank you Nancy for sharing your musical talent with the Rainbows!

The Haifa "Band Stand"!

The "Haifa Band" took out their instruments and made some beautiful music together! Take a look!

Taking Turns

In the Levana class, we are learning the language of turn-taking. Turn-taking is a skill that we model and talk about in our interactions with the children so that they can learn what it means to have a turn, and can learn to say to one another, "Can I use that when you are done?" The children are gaining confidence that, while they may be watching and waiting at this moment, they will soon be able to perform; after we have our turn, then someone else will have a turn. One way that we demonstrate and practice turn-taking is by using musical instruments, such as the xylophone, together. The mallet is passed from one musician to another; knowing that our turn is coming up helps us to relax and enjoy the music. After Bennett played, he handed the mallet across to Elias and said, "Your turn!"