Ella Jenkins Sing, Clap, and Play a Steady Beat Play-Along
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to teach steady beat and rhythm in your elementary music classroom, look no further than the legendary Ella Jenkins! Known as the "First Lady of Children's Music," Ella Jenkins' works are a rich source of inspiration for music educators, and her interactive songs are perfect for echo-singing, playing instruments, and so much more
In the "Ella Jenkins Sing, Clap, and Play a Steady Beat Play-Along," students will get the chance to sing, clap, tap, pat, and play instruments (or use body percussion!) along with three of her beloved songs: Caney Mi Macaro, Play Your Instruments, and Pole Pole. This activity is ideal for fostering a strong sense of rhythm, steady beat, and cultural appreciation. Let’s look at how you can incorporate these songs into your classroom!
1. Caney Mi Macaro – A Song to Celebrate Rhythm and Culture
This traditional song from the Afro-Caribbean community is perfect for developing a steady beat and fragment singing. Your students will echo-sing after Ella to the melody.
2. Play Your Instruments – Exploring Instruments and Body Percussion
This song is an absolute favorite in Ella Jenkins’ repertoire! It invites children to play their instruments or use body percussion to make sounds that match the steady beat of the song.
3. Pole Pole – A Calming, Steady Beat Exercise
Pole Pole is one of my students’ favorite songs to echo-sing and perform steady beat patterns.
Fun Facts About Ella Jenkins:
Ella Jenkins' music is a treasure trove of educational and cultural richness. Here are a few fun facts to help inspire your students and deepen their appreciation for this musical icon:
Ella Jenkins is called the "First Lady of Children's Music" – A title she earned through her groundbreaking contributions to music for young learners.
She started singing when she was very young – Ella’s love for music blossomed early, and she began performing when she was just a child!
She sings in lots of different languages – One of the standout features of her music is the inclusion of songs in multiple languages, giving children exposure to new sounds and cultures.
She plays the ukulele, guitar, and more! – Ella is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, and her music often features these instruments in engaging and educational ways.
She has won many awards – Over the years, Ella has received numerous accolades for her contributions to music education, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ella was one of the first musicians to use call-and-response in her songs – This technique is widely used in her music and encourages active participation from young listeners, which helps develop rhythm and listening skills.
She loves teaching children through music – Ella’s joy in sharing music with children is evident in every song she sings. Her passion for teaching shines through in every note.
Ella's music often includes different cultures – Her songs are often a blend of folk traditions from around the world, teaching students about diversity through the universal language of music.
She’s a trailblazer for women in music – As one of the few female figures in the field of children’s music during her time, Ella Jenkins broke barriers and became a role model for future generations of women musicians.
Ella's music has been loved by generations of children – For decades, Ella Jenkins' songs have been a staple in classrooms, and her influence continues to shape the music education landscape.
Why Ella Jenkins' Music is Perfect for Elementary Music Classrooms
Ella Jenkins' music is not just about fun—it’s about teaching children essential musical concepts like rhythm, steady beat, echo-singing, and cultural awareness. Her interactive approach encourages students to engage actively, whether by singing, clapping, or playing instruments. In addition to musical learning, her songs also foster emotional growth by encouraging community, cooperation, and listening skills.
So, if you’re looking for a way to bring the joy of music and rhythm to your students, try the Ella Jenkins Sing, Clap, and Play a Steady Beat Play-Along in your next lesson. Your students will be tapping their feet, clapping their hands, and singing with joy as they connect with the spirit of Ella Jenkins' timeless music.
Ready to get started? You can find all the free manipulatives for the play-along video at https://buymeacoffee.com/elmusedtech/extras to help make your classroom experience even more interactive and fun. Watch the full play-along video to follow along with the songs, and start bringing the steady beat and rhythm to life in your classroom today!
Resources:
Ella Jenkins: The First Lady of Children’s Music - Ella Jenkins Biography. (https://www.ellajenkins.com)
Ella Jenkins - Biography - The Kennedy Center. (https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/j/jg-jr/)
Ella Jenkins: Music for Children - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. (https://folkways.si.edu/ella-jenkins)