A special part of being an elementary music teacher is the wonderful ability to find ways to connect what we are learning about in music class (musical terms, genres, note reading, singing, performing on instruments, etc) to what's going on in the world around us...specifically when it's time to celebrate holidays and events in America and all around the world. Music is a big part of every country and every culture and I love getting to share these things with our children!!!
This year, February had more events than I can remember..... here are a few of our favorites:
Groundhog Day
What it is: A popular tradition celebrated in the United States and Canada on February 2nd. It comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a Groundhog comes out of its burrow and sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will go back in and there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If, however, it does not see its shadow because it is cloudy out, there will be an early Spring. Local Celebrations: Malverne Mel Holtsville Hal Celebration Ideas and Resources: * Songs, Games, and Rhymes for School or at Home * Celebrate Groundhog Day with Children |
Mardi Gras
What it is: Also called Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday, refers to the event s of the Carnival celebrations held in many countries before the beginning of the Lenten season. A HUGE event in New Orleans, LA as well as many South American and European countries. Local Celebrations: Long Island Mardi Gras with Children Celebration Ideas and Resources: * Celebrate Mardi Gras with Children * More ways to Celebrate *and if you need a King Cake delivered straight from New Orleans...... * New Orleans Jazz Music * More New Orleans Jazz * New Orleans Jazz National Park |
Valentine's Day
What it is: Valentine's Day, also called the Feast of St. Valentine, is celebrated all around the world on February 14th. People share cards, small gifts, and, my favorite, chocolate, to celebrate their love for family and friends. Local Celebrations: Celebration Ideas and Resources: * Celebrating Valentine's Day With Children * Valentine's Day Children's Songs * Valentine's Day Family Traditions |
Chinese New Year
What it is: Also known as the Spring Festival in modern China and one of the Lunar New Years in Asia,is an important Chinese festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar calendar. Local Celebrations: On Long Island In New York City Celebration Ideas and Resources: * The Chinese New Year Tradition * Chinese New Year for Families * Chinese New Year Songs and Games * Traditional Chinese Music Information for Children * Chinese Music to listen to * The Mask we Made in Pre-K Today |