I bring them to the large room
My students sit to wait
They’re talking and they’re anxious
To start up from their break.
I take a hold of one small drum
Caress it with my hands,
And as I beat so softly
They seem to understand.
Doom, ckick-a chick; Doom doom chick
Doom, ckick-a chick; Doom doom chick
Some students start to stare at me,
Some students look away,
Some students start to tap with me
On the floor, they start to play.
Doom, ckick-a chick; Doom doom chick
Doom, ckick-a chick; Doom doom chick
Other classes start to enter –
It’s a fourth grade meeting thing.
As they walk into the large room
They notice as I sing:
“Come right in,” Doom doom chick
“Come and sit,” Doom doom chick
As naturally as muses
they succumb to my one drum.
Class by class they enter;
They sit, they sway, some hum.
Doom, ckick-a chick; Doom doom chick
Doom, ckick-a chick; Doom doom chick
And now we’re in a rhythm
Over 100 are all there.
Community is building
As magic fills the air.
Slap-slap, clap; Doom doom chick
Slap-slap, clap; Doom doom chick
Doom, ckick-a chick; Doom doom chick
Doom, ckick-a chick; Doom doom chick
It’s time to start the lesson
A countdown I now say:
4 – – -; Doom doom chick
3 – – -; Doom doom chick-
2 – – -; Doom doom chick
1 – – -; Doom doom chick
Silence,
Smiles,
Applause
We are ready to begin.
So, what was that? This depicts a fantastic musical experience I had with the fourth graders at my school last Friday afternoon: a moment of musical magic I wanted to share. Hope you enjoyed! ~EMP
So simple, and yet so powerful! Thanks for sharing such an awesome idea – the rhythm of the poem matched the rhythm of your drum and added to the inspiration. I often use hand percussion patterns to gain the children’s attention, but adding an actual drum really ups the power.
That was such a fun time. It lasted about 10 minutes and for those moments I had over 100 kids under my total control. Mwah-ha-ha!!!
But really, they were so focused. Not one child wanted to mess with our bonding experience!
I love dance. I teach dance as part of my physical education curriculum. I also do a cardio drumming unit. I love the two activities of creating music and dance combine. I also let the students take the lead on occasion as a way to really spark their creativitiy.