This week, students began their first ukulele lesson of the semester, marking a new chapter in their musical journey. Not only does this provide them with an opportunity to engage with and learn a new instrument, but also allows them to take a step further on their journey of musical creativity.
From the beginning of this semester until now I have been impressed with the musical talents of the third graders. Not only do they demonstrate excellent skills in singing and playing their instruments, but they are also able to quickly grasp new concepts being taught. Besides, they are able to quickly understand music theory and apply it in a practical way.
It was because of their excellent performance in class that I got the idea to introduce them to the ukulele, an expressive instrument. Also, it is easy-to-learn for beginners. They started by learning the simple C major chord, the foundation of the introductory course. My original plan was to introduce just one chord this week; however, now they can play three chords on the ukulele: the C major chord, the a minor chord, and the F major chord! This is a great rate of progress. Due to the Thanksgiving theme this week, we ended the week's lessons with music. We listened, sang, and played three Thanksgiving children's songs together: 'Thanksgiving for Little Babies', 'Happy Thanksgiving', and 'Thanksgiving Feast', all of which enhanced the festive atmosphere and enabled them to experience the meaning of gratitude in music.
In addition, learning ukulele and Thanksgiving children's songs can bring positive psychological effects to students, as music can regulate emotions and relieve pressure so that it helps students release their inner emotions. In ukulele playing, they can feel the joy and excitement of music; while in singing Thanksgiving children's songs, they can feel the warmth and harmony of music. These positive emotional experiences will contribute to the improvement of students' mental health.