Turkeys and tiri-tiris

Yes, I know the title of my post is a little on the weird side, but that's usually how I am anyway.

In 5th grade we introduced a new rhythm yesterday during specials.  It was introduced in a new song and today we finished it up and learned the game.

A tiri-tiri is a group of 4 sounds or 4 syllables that all fall inside one beat.

Each fish has at least one tiri-tiri in it.  They are the group of 4 lines with 2 bars connecting them together across the top.

Yesterday we learned a new song called "Chicken on a Fencepost".  The words are very easy to learn and very repetitive.

After learning the new rhythm pattern and how they fit into the beats, we were ready to start the game.

This is a simple "race-to-it-first" game.  Two concentric circles of students.  2 students outside the circles with backs to groups.  I point out a spot within both circles where the gates will open at the end of the song.  When we start the song, the circles walk in opposite directions.  The 2 outside students have no idea where the gates are going to open, so it is simply luck of the draw.  There are some students who use the strategy of staying right next to the other person and then they have an equal chance of making it and then other students keep moving on opposite sides and hope for the best.

The following is Mr. Eash's 5th grade class today.  The race to the middle is much more enjoyable if they have something physical to grab.  In my giant tote of stuffed animals, I did not have a chicken.  I had an egg shaker, and then I had a mini turkey.  The class chose to use the turkey and decided we needed to change the song to "Turkey on a Fencepost".  

And here is a video of the chaos.