Culturally Responsive Classroom Archives

Better Engagement Using Small Group Music Projects

Music educators generally teach a wide variety of grade levels and a common challenge is engaging older students. Let’s look at how we can have better engagement in elementary music using small group music projects.

The Playlist

We’ll start with the reasoning behind small groups and their effectiveness. Then on to how to set them up. Or skip straight to the lesson plans to see if they will work for you.

The Challenge & the Solution

Music Schedules & Perceptions

Unlike a homeroom/classroom, music classes meet relatively infrequently so building relationships and trust with students takes more time.

Students often consider special area classes a “break” from the rigors of their other classes which can make engagement and classroom management more challenging, especially for grades 4-8.

Pizza Pizza Daddy-O Easy Orff Arrangement And Lesson Plan

Adding Orff instruments to the African-American singing game Pizza Pizza Daddy-O gives you a perfect arrangement for concerts as well as extended lessons to explore and practice mi, so, la, and syncopation in the classroom.

Integrating culturally responsive elements into these lessons is seamless, as students can incorporate dances that hold personal meaning to them into the song lyrics.

Pizza Pizza Daddy-O Game, Orff Arrangement, and Lesson Plan resource.

Take me to it!

When to Use?

Pizza Pizza Daddy-O is such a classic, fun game and kids love to play it year after year. This resource extends learning with an easy Orff arrangement that can become a concert showpiece!

Year-round as a fun singing game with instruments
During Black History Month (African-American singing game)
Valentine’s Day (best friends)

Available in both PowerPoint™️ and Google Slides™️ formats.

Pizza Pizza Daddy-O Game, Orff Arrangement, and Lesson Plan resource with solfa and rhythm learning.

Pizza Pizza Daddy-O Orff Arrangement Analysis

How To Make A Low-Cost, No-Tech Jeopardy Game For Any Classroom

Are you in a panic when your school’s electricity goes out, the projector bulb goes pop, you need emergency sub plans, or your computer is on the fritz? Make this no-tech, low-cost Jeopardy board and you’ll be ready for any emergency! Say goodbye to technology and hello to an innovative, interactive, and budget and sub-friendly game that will make learning music (or ANY subject) an absolute blast!

What is a No-Tech Jeopardy Game?

A no-tech Jeopardy game provides an opportunity to combine music education with a thrilling game show format any time and in any situation. A music teacher or sub with no musical background, can walk in and without hitting a power button of any kind, have great learning K-5.

Modeled after the popular TV show, this interactive game allows students to answer questions, earn points, and engage in friendly competition. By transforming your music lessons into an exciting game, you can foster a love for music, encourage teamwork, and enhance student learning in a playful and memorable way.

Did I mention that it folds down to an
easy-to-store rectangle?