BananaCheer

6. Listen 7. Evaluate 8. Related Arts 9. History/Culture
 * Subject/Grade**: General Music/Lower Elementary
 * Concepts/Skills/Values**: Concentration/Focusing, Listening, Following Directions
 * National Standards** (that apply):
 * 10. Movement

Students will be able to chant and move to this cheer successfully, knowing each movement and performing the movement when the corresponding phrase is called.
 * Behavioral Learning Objectives**:

Edited cheer found on www.KIDiddles.com (9/08)
 * Materials**:

Teach basic beginning motions with words Teacher: "Bananas Unite" (may need to inform them of the meaning) Students: Hands touch above head like an unpeeled banana, make sure they do not say a word or put any extra movement in Teacher: "Bananas Split" Students: hands to sides All: "Go Bananas, Go, Go Bananas" 2x "Bananas to the Left, Bananas to the Right" "Peel your Banana, MMMmmm, Take A Bite!" Do actions that are being said With younger students, one can teach it while they are laying on the ground, it makes it really funny With older students, one can have them "unite" into one line when "Bananas Unite" then move to two lines when the "bananas split" At the end I added: "What happens in cartoons when someone comes up to a banana peel on the ground?" the obvious answer is that they fall… After making sure all have plenty of room and are aware of their surroundings, yell out "Bananas Slip and Fall" They Love this! Plus it is a great tool for disciplinary action. The children know right away how they should stand, still with hands above head, and one can just do "Bananas Unite, Bananas Split" over and over with pauses that really force them to pay close attention, yet is still a fun, movement involving activity. Can also add other activities for the Bananas to do like "Bananas walk quietly, Bananas wiggle, etc."
 * Sequence of Activities and Assessment**:

The students will be assessed visually to see if they are really doing the actions and saying the words at all, and that they are aware of their peers around them to make sure that they will not bump into anyone or fall on them at the end.
 * Assessment**:

It is important to stress to the children that they give themselves lots of space and to watch out especially when "Bananas slip and fall" looking out for desks, other children, others' toes and fingers, etc. Also be strict with how the game is done, do not let other children decide when the Bananas split unless instructed to do so, and enforce that they are completely silent when in "United" mode. Lastly, let yourself relax, even when using as a disciplinary tool, let it also be a breather to let the little issues pass.
 * Teacher Effectiveness Reminders**:

//Submitted By: Emily Chapman

Emily, This is a really cool lesson that seems like it would be a lot of fun to teach and to learn. Great work explaining the different banana terms and giving multiple cues to make the lesson fun. One thing that could possibly make this even cooler and would add to the standards and learning process would be to add a melody to the "go banana, go go banana" and also giving vocal cues to the teacher call and response. These are just little suggestions that would add to this lesson or would maybe create a multiple lesson opportunity. Overall this lesson is one that seems like it could become a class favorite if the teacher isn't too careful. Thanks for the great input, and continue the good work. I hope teaching is going well and you are enjoying yourself and your students, Great Job! T. Jones//