You can now sing, do the motions, and PLAY this Irish favorite, The Rattlin’ Bog, with a lively Orff barred instrument arrangement (and optional ukulele part) for St. Patrick’s Day, all during March, or whenever you want that cumulative song, breathless laughter FUN!
There is no single American Indian culture or language. Researching tribes in your own area is the best way to learn about and honor Native Americans. Each tribe has its own unique traditions, history, and terminology.
When we know better, we do better.
Doing better was researching my local tribes. I did Google searches and searched on YouTube. I eventually found a YouTube video that was of a powwow in my area with a link to a culture bearer. I was able to contact that person and after some conversations back and forth, he gave me a drumming piece.
My guidelines from him were the same as what I read everywhere, that teaching without background, meaning, and significance is wrong. I’ve never shared this resource because my conversations back and forth with the culture bearer were like a mini-workshop and allowed me to learn from him all about the above-mentioned particulars.
When I brought the activity to the kids, it was with all of the information that I had been given and was a meaningful learning experience for them. I’m forever grateful that he took the time, trusted me, and gave me this precious part of his tribe’s culture.
This is a (free) subscriber site and has full lesson plans, videos, and resources.
Information about Native lands and Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages including a teacher guide, searchable map, and other resources.
Crow: The Legend is an exciting new animated movie starring John Legend as Crow, the most popular and admired animal in the forest with his magnificent colors and beautiful voice. But when the very first winter arrives, can Crow make the ultimate sacrifice to save his friends?
Inspired by the original Native American legend, this story of sacrifice and community features Randy Edmonds, Kiowa-Caddo tribal elder and founder of the National Urban Indian Council as Narrator and Sarah Eagle Heart, CEO of Native Americans in Philanthropy, as Luna.
A tutorial on the dress and steps and meaning in powwow dancing.
A short demonstration by a young dancer with information on the regalia, meaning, and steps of powwow dancing.
Not sure of the tribe but this reiterates the one-two steps in the powwow dance above along with hoops, accompanied by drum and singer.
From the Manito Ahbee Festival, the site says, “The Manito Ahbee sacred site is located in the western Whiteshell area of Manitoba. Manito Ahbee, an Ojibway word means, “where the Creator sits.” The site is recognized and honoured by Indigenous peoples across North America as a sacred place for all people. The name of the province, Manitoba, is itself derived from the name of this sacred site.”
It’s been eye-opening to find that much of the music I used in my 40-year career was NOT authentic and/or had a questionable past. Unfortunately, many educators are still using these same songs and dances. This page is my aim to give you resources that I’ve researched or from sources who aim to research with the same authentic goal. However…
…our job requires much more than the planning time we are given. In your haste to get things done, don’t trust someone’s say-so, even mine. Always do your research.
On this GROWING resource page…
Use of the most common traditional rhythm by the ancestors from Quebec is the podorythmie & cuillères (foot tapping & spoons). The music is Reel Turluté performed by La Bolduc. La Bolduc was a famous French-Canadian singer.
The singing technique is called jigging.
Sona Jobarteh has become one of the most renowned kora players in the world, an instrument that traditionally was only played by men. The kora is an instrument of West Africa and dates back to the 13th-century Mali empire.
Sona’s academy focused on learning through Gambian culture, not a colonial focus. Lots of info here on Gambian music and arts culture.
This website is dedicated to culturally responsive music and lesson plans for your classroom. A. Cuthbertson’s site has music from many different cultures.
Information about Native lands and Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages including a teacher guide, searchable map, and other resources.
Some authentic sources for songlines, art, and music.
For any time of the year, but collated for Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month, a growing group of resources.
For any time of the year, but collated for Black History Month, a growing group of resources.
A growing list of literature for the music classroom with a wide variety of cultures represented.
The resources on this page have been researched for their authenticity and respect for Hispanic Latinx (a/o/e) heritage, using culture bearers as much as possible!
Find authentic sources for Hispanic Heritage Month music activities. Resources include literature connections, famous musicians, and culture.
This nationally recognized heritage month extends from September 15 to October 15. Originally named Hispanic Heritage Month, the name has been slowly changing into Latinx Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate Latinx music culture, people, and history.
Continue reading “Hispanic Latinx (a/o/e) Heritage Month Activities”