Recorder Karate Idea Bank

When I introduce tonguing to the class (fourth graders), I have them put the recorder into playing position and speak the syllable "doo" right into the recorder. We all giggle, and then I ask them what happened with their tongue in their mouth. We agree it touched the roof of their mouths. We say "doo" a few more times. Then, I have them whisper the "doo," so that they are starting tone with their tongues. Most of them are successful this way.

Of course, there are some who can't make that work. I then try the syllable "too." It's a more explosive attack than I like, but if it works, it can be refined.

If neither of those works, I ask the child to pretend s/he is eating watermelon in the back yard and wants to spit a seed as far as possible without Mom noticing. Can't have the tongue come out of the mouth or Mom would see!