Curated OER
Express Yourself!
First graders examine positive ways to express their emotions. They act out a song to the tune of "London Bridge" and discuss different scenarios. After discussion, they complete a worksheet in which they circle the best action to take...
Curated OER
Singing: "I Mailed Myself to You"
Keeping a steady beat, singing soft, loud, and in unison - sounds like music class to me! First graders practice these skills while listening to the song, "I Mailed Myself to You" for Valentine's Day. This is a simple and age appropriate...
Curated OER
Christmas Music Lesson Plans
Christmas music lesson plans add a little spice to the season.
Diane Venzera
Kwanzaa Celebration: Celebrating Family, Community, and Culture
Kwanzaa is the focus of a three-part lesson that celebrates the history and traditions of the holiday. Before lighting the Kinara, scholars listen to a read-aloud of Seven Candles of Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Learners express...
Curated OER
The First Amendment: Freedom of Expression
Students explore First Amendment rights. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students examine the freedom of expression as they view a PowerPoint presentation and listen to the lecture that accompanies it.
Curated OER
Songs the Express American Ideals
First graders will learn the words to two American ideals songs: "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and "America the Beautiful." They will also learn the Pledge of Allegiance and what it means to recite it. This is a great resource for your...
Curated OER
Music in the Common Schools
Young scholars sing songs from the common schools era and compare music from the common schools era and today. In this music lesson plan, students look at pictures, fill out Venn Diagrams, and listen to music.
Curated OER
A Review of American History
In this instructional activity learners research an important event in American history and use drama, art, music, and dance to express their findings. Suggested activities include illustrating a time line, decorating a shoe box,...
Curated OER
INTRODUCTORY LESSON for the beginning of each new year
Students study and express the five values of truth, love, peace, right conduct, and non-violence. The lesson focuses on the beginning of the year, introducing the values. Through games, singing, and reading--students become familiar...
Curated OER
Artistic Influence - Lesson 3
Students discuss how musicians' messages can influence society. They think of examples of artistic expression in music, the visual arts, dance, and theater that can lead to a society's self-examination.
Curated OER
Hank Williams: Still Singing After All These Years
Young scholars research the life and music of Hank Williams. They take a quiz on country music, watch a video about Hank Williams, research Williams' song lyrics, create a poster and write a bio poem about his life and work.
Curated OER
Multicultural Music: Israel
Do a grapevine to the left, lift your hands in the air, and sing out, "Hey!" These are the steps second graders will do when they sing and dance the Israeli folk song, "Achshav.” They will explore the concept of multicultural music...
Curated OER
Multicultural Music Connections
Native American music is fun to listen to and great to play. Third graders get multiculturally inspired as they discuss musical sounds from around the globe, then play a few traditional Native American instruments.
San Francisco Symphony
The American Five - Pentatonic scales in early American melodies
Through vocal warm-ups and exercises, budding musicians will attempt to grasp the five pentatonic scales, commonly used in early American songs. They'll sing and work to identify the pitch, tone, melody, and scales being expressed in the...
Curated OER
Music Dynamics - America the Beautiful
First graders sing America the Beautiful and understand the words to the song. In this singing social studies lesson, 1st graders become familiar with the images and vocabulary in America the Beautiful while singing the words.
Curated OER
Music Video
Learners explore songs that tell stories over various decades and create a Garage band track for their voice. In this story song lesson, students create a video for their song group. Learners present a proposal to their...
Curated OER
Cover the Music
Students explore U.S. history by listening to musical pieces in class. In this Civil War era lesson, students discuss the types of musical instruments that were available to soldiers during the war and the themes of their songs. Students...
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Going on a Bear Hunt
Students investigate pantomiming by going on a fictitious bear hunt. In this performing arts lesson plan, students collaborate in groups to sing songs and perform pantomimes based on a hunting trip. Students create their own...
Curated OER
Songs from the Past
Students research songs from the past to learn about historical events. In this music history lesson, students conduct a survey on the Star-Spangled Banner, research the song and history on various websites, and research songs in the...
Curated OER
Getting to Know You
Students demonstrate the concept of friendship. In this character education lesson, students read the book Best Friends and discuss what friendship means. Students create a picture book about their likes and dislikes.
Curated OER
Japanese Tanka Poetry
Students discover the techniques of creating Japanese Tanka poetry through in-class discussions and a fun group competition. This lesson is an excellent introduction to Japanese literature and/or poetry.
Curated OER
Incorporating Japanese Music into the Music Classroom
Fourth graders experience the music and arts of Japan as they explore the language and culture of the country in this lesson. A variety of musical elements from the culture are demonstrated.
Curated OER
Romantic and 20th Century Period Music
Upper graders explore the similarities, differences, and depth of pop music from the Romantic era and the 20th century. They listen to selections that exemplify the Baroque, Romantic, and 20th century periods, then create presentations...
Curated OER
Building Collegiality During Teacher Appreciation Week
Acknowledge the teachers in your life and on your campus as we celebrate all educators during Teacher Appreciation Week.