Summer is Coming!
I know it’s only May, but my students are wild with spring fever with summer just around the corner. So instead of fighting it, why not channel that excitement into something creative and musical? This Summer-Themed Composition Packet is your one-stop resource for keeping your students engaged and continuing their musical growth in a fun way, even as the school year winds down.
This no-prep, print-and-go activity allows students to compose their own 16-beat summer pieces, all while practicing essential rhythmic skills like reading and notating quarter notes, rests, and even beamed eighths! It's a win-win for fostering creativity and musical development.
Here's what makes this packet a summertime hit:
Sunshine Melodies: Students become composers, creating their own summer-inspired masterpieces!
Engaging Practice: This hands-on activity keeps them actively involved and learning, all under the warm glow of summer vibes.
Substitute-Friendly: Crystal-clear instructions and a variety of activities make this a lifesaver for unexpected absences.
What's Included:
Differentiated Cut & Paste Rhythms: 16 different summer-themed rhythm patterns with corresponding words (using quarter notes, rests, and beamed eighth notes) cater to different learning styles. Students can choose from picture-only or word-and-rhythm versions.
Composition Page: Time to shine! This page allows students to use their chosen rhythms to create their own unique 16-beat summer composition.
Decode the Rhythm: Put those detective skills to use! Students figure out the corresponding rhythm for 16 different summer words with the help of an included example.
Summer Word Bank Composition: Another opportunity for creativity! Here, students use a summer-themed word bank to inspire them as they write a new musical piece.
Summertime Match Up: (Bonus!) Perfect for students who are still learning notation, this cut-and-paste activity challenges them to match the rhythms with the corresponding summer images.
But the Fun Doesn't Stop There!
This versatile packet is bursting with extension suggestions to take the learning even further:
Body Percussion & Instrument Exploration: Let the rhythm flow! Students translate their compositions into body percussion, then move on to non-pitched percussion and finally Orff instruments for melodic improvisation practice using pentatonic scales.
Composition Sharing & Collaboration: Showcase those masterpieces! Students perform their unique creations for a class concert or explore playing each other's compositions in learning centers.
Storytelling with Ostinati: Get creative with storytelling! Layer student compositions as ostinati (repeating musical patterns) to create a musical backdrop for a summery narrative.
Take it Home! The music doesn't need to stop at school! Students can transform their compositions into decorated packets to share and perform for family and friends.
Download this Summer-Themed Composition Packet today and bring the joy of music composition to your classroom! Watch your students become sizzling young musicians, ready to rock the summer months!
Have a great week,
Joanna