Day One
In the first video, Ms. Bridie introduces Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. She explores the title character’s qualities (hopeful, resilient and optimistic!) and how her example is especially important now. She asks us to consider the importance of imagination. In the second video, Ms. Bridie teaches an excerpt from the song “In My Own Little Corner” and invites everyone to sing along.
1. Introduction to Cinderella
2. Learn “In My Own Little Corner”
3. Now, watch a few (or all!) of five different interpretations of “In My Own Little Corner,” all by different actors. How are they different? The same? Which one do you like best?
In the next video, Ms. Bridie discusses the various interpretations of “In My Own Corner” and reflects on why we have favorite performers, and how different performers can bring different emotions and qualities to a song. She leads an exercise singing “happy birthday” using different emotions and encourages us to practice the activity over the next few days using well-known songs with family members.
In the last video, Ms. Bridie teaches a “good-bye song” that will conclude our time together each day we explore Cinderella.
4. Discussion: “In My Own Little Corner” and interpreting songs
5. Learn this week’s KLM “Goodbye Song”
Day Two
Day Three
Ms. Jodi welcomes everyone back and continues to examine the character of Cinderella. She talks about the importance of finding ways to express feelings and celebrates the wonder of writing and the power of words. Then Ms. Bridie teaches the introduction to the song “In My Own Little Corner” and invites everyone to sing along once again!
1. Discussion: Explore Our Feelings
2. Rehearse “In My Own Little Corner”
3. The Wonder of Words and the Power of Writing
Ms. Jodi talks about the lyrics in “In My Own Little Corner” and discusses the art of “collaboration,” which is essential to creating a musical. She introduces everyone to the genius of Rodgers and Hammerstein, and specifically explores the role of the lyricist, who writes all the words in a song.
Next, she encourages us find our “own little corner” where we can reflect, dream, draw and write. Finally, she invites us to sing the good-bye song together.
Visit the links below to learn more about the songwriting team of Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein!
4. Oscar Hammerstein’s Legacy
5. Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Movies
6. Journaling and Writing Activities
During this stay-at-home time, it’s important to find different ways for people of all ages to express what they feel and think. Click on this PDF for ways to promote written reflection about the themes and characters of Cinderella.
Day Four
Day Five
Ms. Bridie focuses on the work of Richard Rodgers and the role of the composer. She encourages everyone to watch some of the other works of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Ms. Bridie talks about how music can alter your mood and get your body moving. She introduces a performance of Cinderella’s ball from the Tony Awards, and invites everyone to get ready to waltz!
1. Introduction: How Music Transforms Our Moods
2. Tony Awards Performance: “A Lovely Night”
3. Richard Rodgers Remembers His Legacy
5. May I Have This Waltz?
Ms. Bridie invites everyone to go on a “Waltz Adventure” and teaches simple choreography as well as the words to the song, “A Lovely Night” and puts everything together.
6. Using Our Imaginations, and Goodbye Until Next Week!
Ms. Bridie and Ms. Jodi have a virtual chat and create imaginary adventures from home: baseball’s opening day, a royal dinner, a picnic lunch by the beach, and a ninja obstacle course to name a few!
7. Playtime Activities at Home
Free and structured play time are both important components to learning. They provide a wonderful counterbalance to virtual and book lessons.
8. Listen and Learn: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
TMTP’s radio program Footlight Parade: Sounds of the American Musical is a weekly radio program showcasing the best of Broadway and Hollywood with songs from the turn of the 20th century to today. In this episode, Bill visits with with Laura Osnes, the captivating star of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical, and Ted Chapin, president of the R&H Organization. Footlight Parade can be streamed for free at PRX.org.
Final Message
Be sure to visit us next week for another exciting lesson plan!
Our next musical:
The Jungle Book
available April 13th