I can assure you everything is ok so please don't panic or get upset in the slightest. This is a competition I have done with the students since I began teaching elementary music in Sept. 2000.
On the first day of class I talk about this competition with the students. I will tell you what I tell them.
"You and your class are trying to see if you can beat the other classes in a competition to sing the 50 states in alphabetical order from memory. I have given you a lyric sheet that has the states in ABC order. (We listen to and sing the song 3 times on the first day) Every time we meet in class we will see if anyone is willing to try to sing the states from memory. If they do it they do not have to so it solo again. We will keep adding students who can sing the states in ABC order until we have a class that has had all students do it successfully. In 4th grade I will help you three times when you are attempting to sing and in 5th grade I will not help you at all if you were here last year."
In my nine years of doing this activity I have found that it does promote teamwork among the classes. Students are always cheering each other on to get the states memorized. In class we talk about helping our classmates in a good way, not a bossy way. It is normal for students to feel nervous about this but it will be something they will remember forever and I think its pretty cool that there will be a bunch of adults out there who actually know all 50 states. (how many adults can do that?)
My music class is all about community and working together. It is a safe place where students can take chances without being belittled. I try to keep it as positive as possible.
If you are looking for places to practice look up the fifty nifty on you tube and there are a bunch of videos that you can sing along with.
ALSO...there are various lyric sites that have the words and Limewire has it legally to download if you want to practice at home.
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