Puppet Pals App 1 Minute Operas

As a culmination of our opera unit in 6th grade, my students worked in groups to create one minute operas using the app "Puppet Pals."  They had to select characters and scenes, and then had to write a script.  They knew they had to add some sort of love triangle, as is typical in normal operas.  They were also told everything had to be sung.  They drafted and practiced, then recorded. 

Here are some of the final products.  Since it was the first time out, I know next year that I will need to provide a bit more guidance on the scripts and have students perform once for me before recording.  I know with a bit more guidance, direction, and tweaking, these will come out well.

The only problem with puppet pals is that you have to record it in one shot.  You can pause your recording to change scenes and characters, but if you leave the app, you cannot come back to your project to finish.  So, students have to record in one sitting.

Enjoy some of our first efforts.  The template I gave students to draft is available for free in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.

John Denver for Kids

I was reminded this week that I haven't shared some of my favorite musical stories on the blog.  There is a fabulous series of books set to match songs by John Denver.  They come with recordings of his performances of the song tales as well.  These are some of my favorite books to end 1st grade classes with.  Though Country Roads and Grandma's Feather Bed are my favorite two, Sunshine on my Shoulders and Ancient Rhymes are also great. 

These great Song Tales are a must for any music or classroom teacher's collection!

 

Keeping Kids Engaged Musically Over the Summer

I came up with this fun bingo card for my students to take home.  I was trying to think of new ways to keep them musically engaged over the summer.

The bingo card has 4x4 activities.  Students who complete four activities across, diagonally, or down will earn a prize from me at the beginning of next school year.  Parents have to sign off on completion and some evidence of activities is requested.

Optional activities on the chart include creating a musical family tree, attending a free public concert, writing out the rhythms of the flavors at the ice cream shop, and more.

Print, send home with your students, and wait to see what exciting experiences they share with you from their summer.

Download today at my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.

Mustache BAGF#ED Stations

This last set of recorder stations was a big hit with my kids.  I told them ahead of time the next round was mustache themed, and half of one homeroom showed up to class wearing fake mustaches.  Gotta love these funny kids!

Included is:
Masquerade Melodies: Mustaches that are to be cut out and attached to popsickle sticks. Students then hold up melodic patterns for their group members to play, taking turns being the mustache selector. A fingering chart is included to support students as they practice patterns.

Mustache Melodies: Using the name and picture of several famous mustache types, students compose a melody for each mustache rhythm, using BAGF#ED. They then practice performing and share their melodies.

I Mustache You:Students play their song for their partner, who gives them honest feedback (Praise and or constructive criticism).

 I would dare to say that this is my students' favorite set of recorder stations to date.  It is the end of the year when keeping attention gets more challenging.  This set did the trick!

Available today for download at my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Puppet Pals App

My 6th grade students have been loving the new app we've been using, Puppet Pals.  After completing a unit on opera, the students are writing and performing one minute operas in the app.  Finished products to follow but check out this cool app.  We bought the director's cut, which provides more scenery and character options.  It is well worth the funding.  The possibilities for this app are endless!

Jelly Band App

I recently found another app I love to use with my kids.  This app is called Jelly Band and is great for teaching arranging and layering of ostinati.  I have used this app with my part time learning support classes who have been immediately successful with it, as well as with my older students.  They enjoy arranging and recording their own songs.  So fun, so easy, and a quick way to teach arranging!  I'd give it four stars!   PLUS IT'S FREEEEE!

Little Mermaid Jr. Costumes, Costumes, Costumes

Tomorrow night is opening night for our spring musical, The Little Mermaid Jr.  This is an after-school activity for any 5th and 6th grade student who cares to participate.  I have an amazing co-director who is a fabulous sewer (well, she's one of those people who is amazing at whatever she does).  She is responsible for most of the costumes.  She even does it without a pattern sometimes!  A-Mazing!  I think the kids look great.  I found a few of the fun hats and wigs to top off the costumes online.  Here's a sampling of a few of my favorite costumes from the show.

Flotsam, Ursula, and Jetsam

Sebastian

Scuttle

Flounder

Ariel

Prince Eric

The Fish

Frogs

Mersisters

Jelly Fish