Curated OER
Sharp and Smooth Movements: The Nutcracker
Students explore sharp and smooth movements. In two groups, students perform dances using sharp and smooth movements. They are asked to discuss the differences between the movements and how they felt when you watched or performed.
Curated OER
Documentarians of an Era: A Study of the Paintings of Thomas Eakins and Gustave Caillebotte
Students produce an object analysis of 'The Champion Single Scull'. They begin with description, proceeding to deduction, and finally providing speculation by interpreting the outward evidence of culture. They use a clipboard and paper...
Curated OER
Songwriting
Students watch the "The Greatest TV Moments: Sesame Street Music A to Z" video and brainstorm what the songs may be about. They choose a theme for a song, write a short topic-related poem, and compose music for it.
Curated OER
"Mambo" from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein
Students encounter and study "Mambo" from "West Side Story," by Leonard Bernstein. They practice utilizing musical elements (instrumentation, tempo, and dynamics) to create a certain mood for a scene with music. Each student interprets...
Curated OER
"Disco Sucks!"
Students examine why disco and other forms of music were not widely accepted.
Curated OER
Dizzy Gillespie
Students compare and contrast two songs by Dizzy Gillespie and identify elements of bebop. They construct a Web page about Gillespie and his music.
Curated OER
Haring Inspired CD Covers
Students create CD covers from their music-inspired drawing sessions. They compare what they drew while listening to classical, punk and rap music. They scan their drawings into Adobe Photoshop and design their cover.
Curated OER
Activity Plan Mixed Ages: A Funny Hat Show
Students create unique hats. In this early childhood lesson plan, students engage in a group celebration to foster social skills, creativity, and fine- and gross-motor development as they put on a funny fashion show with the hats they...
Curated OER
The Great Migration
Students explore how migration to Harlem created a new life for African Americans. In this cross curricular lesson, students illustrate maps showing the migration, paint murals representing African American life in the South and...
Curated OER
The Heart of Human Experience: Cultura Azteca
First graders explore Aztec culture to gain understanding of relationship between music, recreation, and culture. Seven lessons on one page.
San Francisco Symphony
Washington Portrait
Fifth and second graders pair up to create mini dance scenes based on the image Washington Crossing the Delaware. Second graders create the movements while their fifth grade partners play the musical accompaniment. Leadership...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Same and Different
A take on "If You're Happy and You Know It" opens a lesson about similarities and differences. Scholars speak in-depth on the unique characteristics that make up their classroom. The teacher or counselor records responses. Class members...
Curated OER
Courage
Students become familiar with dance vocabulary and, with their bodies, create shapes and transitional movements to depict emotions related to the theme of 'courage.' They coordinate their movements to music and critique each others'...
Curated OER
Water Music
Learners explore music about water. They listen to various pieces of music, play instruments, and plan and create a piece of art that includes a water motif.
Curated OER
Dancin' to the Times
Fifth graders work in groups in order to research a specific music era or dance style to share with the class. They have studied different music styles that are included in the lesson and now they have the choice to research one. There...
Curated OER
Music Appreciation Lesson
Young scholars discover the freedom of dance by performing physical expression with music. In this physical education lesson plan, students discuss ways their body can make noise such as snapping, patting, or stomping. Young...
Curated OER
Nureyev: Bringer of Light
Students examine Nureyev's artistic endeavors and achievements. In this language and art instructional activity, students analyze modes of dance expression at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries. They focus on...
Curated OER
Be An Incredible Songwriter
Students write songs about something incredible they have experienced or know about. They consider topics of events, dreams, ideas, feelings, or animals. They accompany themselves with small musical instruments while performing the songs...
Curated OER
Stone Passing Game with Calabash Song
Students discuss games and their use around the world in many different cultures and how music and games are related. They discuss the rules of West African game then play a game from West Africa and review and learn the "Calabash" song...
Curated OER
Single Lindy Mixer
Pupils learn and practice the Single Lindy dance steps with a variety of partners in a sociable and fun atmosphere. They dance with other partners and feel a real sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Curated OER
Shadow Dances
Learners explore the physical phenomenon of shadows through movement improvisation and dance. They create an original dance phrase based on this imagery. All students then reproduce accurately the movement choices of another dancer.
Curated OER
Ethnic Music: Carptho Ruysn
Students define the term ethnic music, ethnic dancing, and a simple Carpatho Rusyn dance step.
Curated OER
Sing a Shaker Song
Second graders study the Shakers of the 19th century and practice a traditional Shaker song, complete with dance motions.
Curated OER
"Fast and Slow"
Students find a partner, they think about their favorite TV sport that they might like to perform in an unusual dance. They practice their chosen sport and students see if they can make a litter repeating pattern of three or four parts...