Music with Jars of Water

So I joined my first homeschool co-op this semester. I got volunteered to teach music to the first and second graders. I loved choir in high school (and college) and I play the piano. I'm often caught making up songs to teach my children something. So, I guess I can do this, I thought, although a little concerned about teaching an actual music class to this age group.

Here are a few ideas that I am trying in my attempt to teach music:

Take three glass jars and add a little water in the first jar, about half full for the second jar, and almost full on the third jar. Then, tap each jar with a spoon. It should give you three different pitches. I played around with the amount of water until I got the sounds I wanted. Then you can play a song like “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or “Hot Cross Buns” that just require three notes.

You can also play my Psalm 67 song, which is mostly comprised of three notes. See that blogpost: Worship/Prayer for nations.html for the notes and words to the song.