We Give Thanks
Festival
- Thanksgiving
Season
- Autumn
Time Signature
- 4/4
Cross Curricular
- Reading / Writing / Language Arts
- Visual Arts
Content Type
- Choreography
Style
- Rock
Articulation
- Tie
Harmony
- Chords (I, IV, V)
- Group vs. Solo
Tempo
- Presto
Dynamics
- Forte
- Mezzo Forte
Form
- Repeat Signs
- Verse/Refrain
Movement Type
- Choreography
Classroom Instruments
- Orff Instruments - Unpitched
Voicing
- Unison
Language
- English
Rhythm
- Crotchet
- Crotchet Rest
- Dotted Crotchet
- Minim Rest
- Semibreve
- Single Quaver
Year Group
- Year 4+
See More
Year 2
Lesson 5: Rests
Year 6
Lesson 8: Mixed Metres
Instrument Units
Lesson 1: Guitar Class Method - Unit 1
Instrument Units
Lesson 0: Recorder Class Method - Unit 2
Listening Maps
Lesson : Listening Maps
Demo Group
Lesson 2: Mark is Developing
Disney Music Activities (EYFS & KS1)
Lesson 3: Very First Steps: Sound
Disney Music Activities (EYFS & KS1)
Lesson : Very First Steps: The Beat
Disney Music Activities (EYFS & KS1)
Lesson 2: Very First Steps: Singing
Musicals
Lesson : Once Upon a Starry Night
New Test Group
Lesson 30: Am I Hearing You Right?
New Test Group
Lesson 28: It's Dynamically Fun!
Global Drumming
Lesson 1: 1. High Tone on Drum; Rattle
Global Drumming
Lesson 2: 2. Low Tone on Drum; Bell
Global Drumming
Lesson 3: 3. Question and Answer with Echo
Global Drumming
Lesson 4: 4. Double Bell (Gankogui)
Global Drumming
Lesson 5: 5. Rhythm Complements
Global Drumming
Words and Music by John Jacobson and Mac Huff
Copyright © 2008 by HAL LEONARD CORPORATION
International Copyright Secured All Rights Reserved
Available Learning Resources
We Give Thanks Credits
Words and Music by John Jacobson and Mac Huff
Copyright © 2008 by HAL LEONARD CORPORATION
International Copyright Secured All Rights Reserved
Teaching Plan
We Give Thanks
Goals
- Sing a song of gratitude.
- Play rhythm patterns using even and uneven rhythm patterns.
- Create new rhythm patterns to accompany the song.
Materials
- Rhythm instruments, such as rhythm sticks, drums, maracas, and tambourines
- Rhythms written on cardstock
- Blank paper to create rhythm patterns.
Instructions
-
Listen to this song about gratitude. Who are they thankful for? (soldiers, sailors, teachers, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, everybody)
- Listen to the song again. Count how many times we give thanks is sung. (30!)
- This time, sing the song. Each time you sing we give thanks, clap your hands on that rhythm. Is the rhythm the same every time? (No. Sometimes the rhythm is steady and sometimes it is not. Older students might use the word "syncopated.")
- Show two rhythm patterns: three quarter notes (Ta Ta Ta Rest) and eighth quarter eighth (Ti Ta Ti). Practice clapping the rhythm patterns. Listen to the song again and point to the correct rhythm card when we give thanks is sung.
- Rhythm game: Sing the song and only play the rhythm sticks for we give thanks. If someone taps on any other word, their rhythm sticks can be removed. Can you make it through the entire song playing on the correct phrase?
- Composition challenge: In small groups, create 4-beat rhythm patterns using only Ta and Ti-Ti and write it down on paper. In the interlude (when no voices sing), perform your rhythm patterns on the rhythm instrument of your choice.
-
Performance: Give thanks! Perform this song to give thanks to special groups at any time of the year! This can be great for Grandparent's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Teacher Appreciation Day, Healthcare Workers, and Essential Workers.
- Dress up as the group being honored.
- During the interlude of the song, take turns holding up posters with the names or occupations of the group being honored.
- Distribute a flower to special guests of honor every time the words we give thanks are mentioned in the song.
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