How to easily add instruments to your lessons
I use Orff and non-pitched instruments in my classes all the time—they are a great way to turn something simple (a short phrase, student compositions…) into larger class works.
For example, I read a picture book (often connected to something happening in another class of theirs—science, SEL, social studies) and highlight a key theme. With a prompt, students create a several, short word chains (often 4 beats) and then they play the phrase(s) on instruments during page turns. Boom! Story brought to life, important theme from book highlighted, skills developed, and a class piece (integrated within the broader curriculum) to share.
If you’re concerned that you don’t know how to do this, I have a foolproof, scaffolded process where kids quickly find success. This formula, if you will, works with nearly every activity.
Let’s look at a stand alone song (not a student composition or story), for example, “Go ‘Round the Mountain”—this piece is a great way to teach and reinforce Mi-Re-Do.
Teach the song by rote (using solfege signs, if you choose)
Add body percussion on specific words
Transfer those body percussion patterns onto Orff and non-pitched instruments (by the time you add the instruments, they have the song, word patterns, and movements in their brains and bodies).
Play several times—I typically add a repeat if it’s a short song and have them play each instrumental part 3-4 times before they rotate to a new instrument and part. They get comfortable with their part and can then work on listening to the group at large, follow the conductor, work on dynamics, etc. It’s a great way to expose them to a variety of instruments, patterns and teach them how to practice.
I like to do this specific song with my 2nd graders in the 2nd half of the year. After a day on instruments, I introduce harmony (do-do-mi) and extend the activity.
Watch the video to see how I introduce the song, patterns, and ultimately transfer to instruments.
Want to give it a try, but need a little more guidance? I got you covered—check out “The Cookie Song”—you can attach it to the book “The Doorbell Rang” or simply play the game on it’s own.