A Question about Blue Jello and counting from Tanzania, Africa

Hi Michiko,

Thank you, I will wait for your e-mail regarding the shipping to Tanzania.

I'm wondering, in the meantime, if you have anything written on the Blue Jello Method so I can start working with it until I get my order. For example, the words used for all the different note lengths, I just think it will better if I start with these words from the start rather than starting with the Kodaly system and then shifting. How far do you go with the Blue Jello, meaning age and level of kids, do you at some point move to the 1234 counting?

I hope my questions are not too much hassle.

Thanks again,

Hila

Hi Hila -

My answers to your questions about teaching blue jello could take lots of emails but I will try to make it simple. If you ever attend a Unit 1 workshop, you will learn all the details.

I introduce the blue jello words using the blue jello cards set 1, using the words in rhythm and with the blue jello hand signs (this is optional but very helpful and fun for everyone to make the shapes of notes and rests with fingers and hands). Besides all the games I play with them, I continue to use these words throughout my students musical education. They are very helpful for reading any music from beginning to advanced. I use them for my music all the time.

Of course, it's important for the students to know where the beats occur in the measures. Blue jello words are very compatible with figuring out the beats. They are very helpful, in fact. I use counting "1234", but I don't count "1 and 2 and . . . " or "1 e and a" as some teachers do. We find the subbeats and then just use the appropriate blue jello word(s).

Blue jello words are fun for everyone and very descriptive of rhythm sounds. You will find more information on the cards in the Puppy Packet and also in the videos. I hope this is helpful.

best wishes!

michiko