I bought Musicplay for K hoping that it would give me a good strong
sequence to follow. I don't like it. I've tried using it with two
different kindergartens two different years, and the kids do not
get into the songs. The songs are not recorded well and are
difficult to understand. I am praying that Jeff and Randy come out
with kindergarten Game Plan soon. I have Game Plan for 1-5 and it
makes planning a snap and the kids are learning so much!! There
really isn't an activity in Game Plan that hasn't worked or the kids
haven't liked. I'm still searching for something that will work
for me and my kinders.

On 11/04/09, kitmusic/OK wrote:
> Charlotte,
>
> I also use Gameplan -- but bought it for my upper grades only --
> and now, i'm wishing that I had bought the 2nd grade book as well.
> I think that will probably be my next purchase.
>
> I also have Gameplan for grades K-5 -- and overall, I love the
> sequence. What I DON'T like about it are the recordings for the
> upper grade levels - they sound more "babyish" than the recordings
> from the text books -- so I have been using the sequence -- and
> some of the ideas -- but not the recordings.
>
> For Kindergarten though -- I LOVE Musicplay for K. I like the
> songs. I like how she weaves other curriculum ideas into the
> variety of songs. And I like that each lesson for the week is
> built around themes. I also like the sequence -- it's very
> appropriate for Kindergarten.
>
> That said, I also supplement a lot with other resources. For
> example, there is a great lesson with the story of the
> "Gingerbread Man" in there -- but, I don't use that one --
> instead, I use the skill that she is highlighting -- and use songs
> and activities from a different resource.
>
> My other supplemental resource for Kindergartn are the the "Music
> Effect" books by Joy Nelson. The sequence is slightly different
> -- but Joy uses many different activities and poems to highlight
> one skill. So, if you're working on steady beat (and please, who
> isnt?) - she has provided songs, activities, stories, and visuals
> to help with that concept. Through her visuals -- my K's were
> reading rhythm patterns and designing their own last year. Very
> exciting! :)
>
> Anyway, those are the two main resources I use -- then, I also
> supplement with the Silver Burdett texts -- just because I love
> their recordings. I find the songs I want to use related to the
> skill. So far, this is working for me. I HATE planning for K's -
> I have to really think about keeping them busy and engaged -- but
> with Musicplay and The Music Effect -- my K's have learned a lot
> this year.
>
> I hope that helps!
>
> kitmusic/OK

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