TALKING, WHISPERING, CALLING, SINGING
Kindergarten students have been learning about their four voices the past few classes. We learned a short poem called "This is my talking voice." We practiced using our voices in different ways through poems, songs, games and a writing activity: talking, whispering, calling, singing.
I posted four posters in each corner of the room. The Singing Voice showed a picture of a person using a singing voice with the word "Singing" above it. The Whisper Voice showed a person whispering in the ear of another person with the word "Whisper" above it. Calling and Talking voices showed pictures of people using the appropriate voice with the word above.
On the SmartBoard, I have eight colored circles. A student was called to tap a circle which revealed a place such as library, rock concert, choir, classroom, recess... I would play a short song on the xylophone while students tip-toed to stand next to the poster that showed the voice that they would use if they were in that place. We repeated the process until all of the circles had been pressed.
The next class that I had the students, they worked in groups of four. Each person had a piece of paper that was divided into four sections. In each section, there was written one of the voice types with a small picture that had been on the poster of the same voice (in case students couldn't read the words). The students then drew a picture of where they use that voice.
It has been a helpful tool in helping them think about how they use their voices, what their voices sound like and how their voices feel like when being used. I've had some students echo my voice by themselves and asked the class to match that student's sound. It has been helpful in them hearing their singing voice in particular. All students are given opportunities to sing by themselves. Though I find that it does help to have students who can use their singing voice appropriately be given the opportunity to demonstrate to help others. They love it too!
