Last week I presented at our Board of Education meeting about Project Based Learning in the music room. I want to share with you what I shared with them. I think that almost all of what I do in my Orff classroom is Project Based Learning, PBL. I just had a discussion with a colleague… Continue reading Project Based Learning: Composition
Category: Rhythm
Color Wheel
This is a lesson I developed for my level 3 Orff Schulwerk teacher education course. I wanted to challenge myself to create a lesson that didn’t use any instruments, although you could expand it and take it there in the end. To begin I had a color wheel printed and cut out, I laid the… Continue reading Color Wheel
Back to School
This is my second week of school and we are in full swing now! For me back to school is an exciting time and I love seeing my students again and getting to make music with them. I teacher 1st-4th graders, so it is nice when I see my 2nd-4th graders they already know my… Continue reading Back to School
Performance Based Testing
This week I have been starting my beginning of the year music assessments. I'm Ohio, and in my district, we have to complete Student Learning Ovjective assessments. Luckily, I get to create my own test for these. My principal and colleagues have to review the tests and approve them, but it is nice because I… Continue reading Performance Based Testing
Raining All Day Long
There has been so much rain recently. I know it's spring but I don't think the flowers, grass and trees need this much to drink! Oh Rain please go away! Rain, rain go away. This classic children's song can be used for so many things. From So/Mi to recorder playing, to whatever your imagination thinks… Continue reading Raining All Day Long
Pumpkin Patch
Fall is here and pumpkins are everywhere. It seems as though the pumpkin spice idea has taken on a whole new meaning this year. Although I do not worship at the temple of the pumpkin spice, I do enjoy implementing pumpkin lessons in my classroom. My Pumpkin Patch lesson is one of my favorites for… Continue reading Pumpkin Patch
Apple Tree…Fun for Me
Apple Tree, Apple Tree is one of my favorite classics to do in the fall. I have created 5-6 lessons just using this song. I use this in 3 grade levels, spiraling the curriculum as I progress. If you aren't familiar with Apple Tree here is the text: In first grade and beyond we just… Continue reading Apple Tree…Fun for Me
