Michelle

Posted on 11/06/09

On 11/06/09, Noelle wrote:
> 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
>
This is my third year attempting to implement MusicPlay for
Kindergarten. I have tried and tried to "get with it"....it just
doesn't work for me! I do not like the recordings at all...the songs
are just "bleah". I know a lot of people like this resource, but half
the time I pull from other places. I can't afford GamePlan, although I
may look into it at some other time. I actually like all the other
grade levels in the MacMillan series.

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