Kye Kye Kule-Movement+Instruments

After I taught this song last week, a 1st grader exclaimed, “I am CRAZY about this song, Mrs. Bell!!!” So I am confident that you and your students will also go crazy for “Kye Kye Kule.” This song is perfect for teaching rhythm, movement, instrument etiquette, and singing technique. So let’s dive in!!!

I usually teach this song to my 1st and 2nd graders since we get deeper into more complex rhythms and instrument technique. I also spread this lesson out to 2 class periods so that we can thoroughly learn the song/dance before we add the instrumentation.

Week 1: Teach Melody, Movement & Steady Beat

First, I tell my students that we are taking a trip to Ghana, Africa! I pull up a map of Africa to show them where we are going, then we buckle up our seatbelts and pretend like we’re flying on an airplane. Once we’ve “landed” in Africa, I have them stand up and learn the melody & movement. This is a call and response song so after every line, students will echo you. If you have Quaver, there is a version of this song that includes the pronunciation and movements. If not, you can watch the video below to hear the melody and pronunciation (Scroll down further to see the video).

• Kye Kye Kule [tap hands on head to the beat]
• Kye Kye Kofinsa [tap hands on shoulders to the beat]
• Kofinsa Langa [tap hands on hips to the beat]
• Kaka shilanga [tap hands on knees to the beat]
• Kum Aden de, Kum Aden de, Kum Aden de [touch toes on “Kum” then hips on “Aden de.”]
• HEY!!! [jump up and shout]

Practice the song a few times while leading them with the movements. Then have students get into a circle. I usually use the “Make a Circle” song from Quaver. Once they are in the circle, put the djembe in the center of the circle along with a chair. I explain that the djembe is a drum from Africa, which is where the song “Kye Kye Kule is from! I demonstrate how to use the djembe, by sitting down and leaning in to the knees and playing with a relaxed hand in the center of the drum. Then I choose one student at a time to play the steady beat on the djembe in the center of the circle, while the rest of them sing and demonstrate movements. We play this game until each student has a turn playing the djembe. This is a great way for me to assess student’s ability to keep a steady beat.

Week 2: Instruments & Rhythm

Be sure to prep class by having 3 instrument stations set up: drums, xylophones (only D & A bars are needed) and shakers. When the students walk in, start class by reviewing the song, movements and steady beat. Then I explain that we’ll be playing rhythmic patterns with the instruments around the room. It’s also important to be clear about instrument expectations early on. I always say the most important rule about the instruments is to not touch, or play, the instruments until I say. “Do not play until I say, or Mrs. Bell will take away!” Whatever your rules are regarding instruments, be clear and consistent.

Next, I show them the Youtube video (shown below) and ask them to observe the instrument parts. Then after they’ve watched the whole thing, we break down the rhythm patterns for each instrument with clapping. Then I go around to each station and demonstrate how to play each instrument. Afterwards, I divide them evenly into groups and remind them not to touch the instruments until I say. If they can do this quietly, they get a “Rockin’ Behavior” mark for my classroom management system. Read more about that here.

If you have a lot of students in your classroom, then create one extra station that is just for singing/movement. So the stations would include Drums, Shakers, Xylophones, Singing/Movement. I practice briefly with each instrument station, then we put it all together and perform with the video. Afterwards, I have them rotate to the next station. We continue this until each group has made it through each station. They receive a “Rockin’ Behavior” mark each time they rotate quietly to their next station.

I know you’ll have so much fun teaching “Kye Kye Kule”! Let me know how it goes by tagging me on social media or sending a direct message! As always, thank you for reading my blog and for being an amazing educator.

Keepin’ it Simple,

Paige

*Note-I’ve seen this song spelled as “Kye Kye Kule” (on Quaver and formal music scores), “Che Che Koolay” and “Che Che Kule” (on Youtube). So I’m still not exactly sure which one is the 100% accurate spelling. If you know more about this, please feel free to reach out! Thanks!!