Oct 16 - Ideas for Themed Lessons & Further Curriculum Integration

I brainstormed lesson ideas and themes that could be incorporated with the different instruments I wrote about previously.

• Give class a choice of 3 instruments to make, and once finished, form mini-bands of 3 different instruments and create a 16-32 count song using quarter notes and eighth notes. Rehearse. Show to class.

• Bell anklets/bracelets/belts: wearing bells in groups of 4-6, make up 16-32 count dance using East Indian “Bollywood” movements learned (wrist twist, hip shake, leg twist, wavy arms). Research East Indian dances online.

• Bell anklet/bracelets/belts: make dance to Christmas song and sing at school assembly.

• Gongs: research use of gongs in Chinese culture. Use internet search tools. Make one page report on history, usual material used to make gong, Chinese ceremonies, and use of gong. Branch off lesson plans could include Samurai warriors, Chinese architecture, Chinese holidays, Chinese calendar…

• Brainstorm what class thinks “Canadian instruments” are? “Canadian music”? Is there a specific genre that’s more “Canadian”? What about differed region’s music, is it easier to break down? Listen to wide variety of Canadian artists including maritime music, music from the prairies, country western, native music. Bring class to a native drum song and dance presentation. Have students create their own song & dance with native apparel and drums made in class.

• Have children name which category the instruments we’ve made/researched fall under (wind, percussion, string).

• Rainstick: make other nature sounding instruments to go along with i.e. cricket, waves crashing noise, wind noise… record a soothing “nature music” soundtrack and play during morning stretching/yoga.

• Maracas: make sombreros and ponchos, cook tacos and burritos or bring in tortilla chips and salsa, show Mexico on a map, play Mexican music (mariachi band?) along with the maracas made in class, and have a Mexican party!

• Bongo drums: Caribbean/beach inspired theme. Learn about different shells, crustaceans, listen to Caribbean music with drums, and try to imitate drums in music with drums made in class.