Instrumentation: Children's Voices and Clapping
Origin: Liberia
Performers: Children from the Refugee Camp in Ghana associated with The Heartwood Project
Since both the reading this week centers around children's musical games I figured that's what I would try to find. I liked this recording because I thought it was particularly accesible to young children. I remember from my elementary school days that you couldn't get through a bus ride home without playing some sort of clapping game, be it "Miss Mary Mac" or "Concentration." It's cool that these kind of games are a constant no matter what continent you're from.
I also enjoyed this recording because it captures the innocence and playfulness Lew and Campbell talk about in their article. Nothing about this is remotely formal. There are kids running around in the background, trying to be on camera and join in the games that are being played. Even the words to the last song are whimsical and silly. So much of a child's musical education takes place outside of the classroom. It would be great to make connections between what they are learning in school and how they play after school.
Very cool video Liz! I love how this videos captures the innocence of these children! It's really cool because they are learning so much about rhythm and music without even realizing it. I definitely agree that more of these "outside" the classroom games should be encouraged in the classroom. It brings the children so much joy and they are learning without it being as structured and formal as some people think it needs to be.
ReplyDeleteNice Liz! As soon as you mentioned Miss Mary Mac I guiltily broke out into song! But yes! You are completely right. Getting outside games into the classroom is just another way for the teacher to make personal connections to their students which relates to one of the authenticity models we discussed a couple of weeks ago in class. Thanks for sharing a wonderful and joyful video. I enjoyed the blast from the past!
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