We encourage you to go through the steps of identifying and writing the rhythm, identifying the syllables, and writing the notes on the staff for other songs we have already learned. Suitable songs include:
- Cobbler, Cobbler
- Snail, Snail
- Doggie, Doggie
- Clap Your Hands
- Bobby Shaftoe
- Rise, Sally Rise
- Bell Horses
Another idea for a rhythm activity is to ask your children:
Parent: I sing the words; you sing back the rhythm.
Parent: Snail snail snail snail
Children: ta ta ta ta
Parent: Doggie, Doggie, where’s your bone?
Children: ti-ti ti-ti ti-ti ta
Parent: Cobbler, Cobbler, mend my shoe.
Children: ti-ti ti-ti ti-ti ta
Parent: Get it done by half past two.
Children: ti-ti ti-ti ti-ti ta
Another variation for a solfa syllable activity is to ask your children:
Parent: I sing the words; you sing back the solfa names.
Parent: Snail snail snail snail
Children: s m s m
Parent: Doggie, Doggie, where’s your bone?
Children: s s m m s s m
Parent: Cobbler, Cobbler, mend my shoe.
Children: s s m m s s m
Parent: Get it done by half past two.
Children: s s m m s s m
You can also make up your own “sol-mi” and “sol-mi-la” patterns for this exercise. Another variation is to show them only the hand signs and have them sing the syllables. You can also improvise a question and answer game. The parent makes up a question (or sings the first phrase from one of the songs) and the child answers (either with something made-up or the following phrase from one of the songs). Another good activity would be to make rhythm strips (like in this lesson). Have your children figure out songs and then make up some of their own. Have them count their own compositions.
If you have come up with a variation that has worked well for your family, please share it with us on our Facebook page!