Feierabend Move It levels

[nafmeadmin]

I recently purchased Move It and Move It 2 after seeing John at our state music conference. What an amazing resource for us all!
How music class has changed since I was a kid. Anyway, I’m wondering if anyone has a grade sequence for the songs and movements in the series?
Carnival of the Animals songs will fit nicely in grade 1, but I’m wondering what to do with everyone else (grades PK-4)? The simpler movements probably go with younger kids and the more complex the older . I’m also wondering how often to use these? I have students once a week for 40 minutes. I remember someone asked if he’d use these right away and he said he’d “work up to them.” So I’m wondering how people use them on a regular basis.

Thanks everyone!

KJ

[nafmeadmin]

I recently purchased Move It and Move It 2. Just wondering how often you use them and if someone can guide me as to grade levels different songs are used for? Obviously the Carnival of the Animals songs will go with 1st Grade. Some songs and movements are easier than others, so would those go with PK or K and the ones that are more complicated would go with older students? John is a great resource and we are lucky to have him. I wish music was like this when I was a kid!

KJ

[nafmeadmin]

Yes, more complicated movements could easily be used for Grade 2 +. Grade 4 will usually go with it, but they’re on the edge of too cool for school and may think little movements too childlike for them.

I have never had a projector in a place where it could be conveniently visible from the carpet. Hence I made notes about any Feierabend movement ideas I got and incorporated them sporadically during my lessons. I see little kids – PreK-1 – twice a week (and everyone else once a week) so a few minutes here and there of movement go a long way. I never use the entire pieces, as he does a few movements repeated usually.

I would say use them in accordance with whatever your focus is. Ex., if you’re doing fast vs. slow, have them watch and imitate Flight of the Bumblebee (I’m not sure if that’s one of his pieces, just an example). Kids enjoy predictability, so don’t jump from one to another. Once you introduce a song/video let them move to it once per class for at least two classes. Then a couple weeks after that you can go back to it and see if they remember those examples / routines.

Inasmuch as I like Feierabend, I don’t think it should be the only movement you do. A little Dalcroze (improvising full body movements to music) is fun for little ones. Have them think about what they’ll do, then allow a couple kids to move to music. Discuss what they did, ensure enough safe space for movement, and let the other students do likewise.

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