Searle, Susan D: Birdie, Birdie where is your nest?

This delightful children's folk song asks the Birdie a question: "Where is your nest?" As we wait to find out, we see the Birdie fly over hills and towns to his home in a hollow tree. Hiding in the pictures for children to discover are some birds flying high and low to match the melody, while the music notation is there for the singing.
As they enjoy listening to the song, children can begin to make a connection between the sounds they hear and the symbols on the page.

Purpose:
-discover melodic contour: pattern of sounds·
-discover connection between sounds and visual representation·
-develop in tune singing voice·
-solo singing opportunity (game)·
-practise beat passing (game)
-practice inner hearing (follow up activity)

Susan Searle is a classroom music teacher, choral director and lecturer in Kodály methodology. With 30 years experience in state and private schools around Melbourne, from ELC to Year 6 in single sex boys and girls and in co-educational settings, she enjoys exploring the wonderful heritage of children's literacy to enrich music lessons for students of all ages.