Theme and Variations

Use a familiar song and adorable baby animal pictures to teach youngsters about genetic variation. Begin by listening to "Twelve Variations on 'Ah vous dirai-je Maman,'" which you will need to find online (there are several versions...

Young readers bring characters to life by working in small groups to script and perform stories that contain a community concept. Detailed questions and activities are outlined for the class. Consider having your groups create...

Young scholars listen to Haydn's "Surprise" and use the score to create themes and variations with other rhythms. They create poems using Haydn's rhythm in the symphony and research his life. They also use "body percussion" to play parts...

Learners with multiple disabilities need to engage in projects that push them to know their full potential. They need to be able to express themselves in a variety of ways, and this very thoughtful lesson does just that. They make a...

The dance elements of body, energy, space, and time are the focus of a activity on movement and theme. The class follows along as the teacher shows them a new dance that has a theme. They practice the dance, and then change one element...

Peter wants to send a special birthday party invitation to Amy, but a lot can happen between the front door and the mail box. Read the children's book A Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats with your class to find out what happens, extending...

Can a palace door be art? Can it facilitate an understanding of people and places? It certainly can! Using a palace facade as a instructional activity catalyst, kids will discuss geometric patterns, the kingdom of Swat, and geopolitical...

Readers of all ages can work together in groups to create original poetry on the theme of "Imagine," inspired by John Lennon's classic song. They also create a mural to illustrate their poetry. A beautiful instructional activity,...

Students consider how the world events of the past year have impacted their perceptions of this holiday season. Each student then explores one general theme related to his or her feelings about the season by creating a news-based collage.

Young scholars compose and arrange music within specific guidelines. They # identify and explain compositional devices and techniques used in a musical work. They compare and contrast the use of those techniques between different...