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Music Express second editiona cross-curricular, topic-based approach

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Music Express second editiona cross-curricular, topic-based approach

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Music Express provides a carefully-structured progressive scheme of work for music, integrating singing, playing, listening and composing. The second edition of Music Express has been created with a cross-curricular, topic-based approach to music teaching in mind, so that learning about music is developed whilst exploring different topics and is linked with other curriculum subjects.

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FREE STEAM & ARTS INTEGRATION LESSON PLANS

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FREE STEAM & ARTS INTEGRATION LESSON PLANS

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LESSON PLANS FOR K-12 CLASSROOM AND ARTS TEACHERS

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The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM

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Free Arts Integration Lesson Plans - Download one (or more) today! These samplings are some excellent arts-based lessons to give your program a boost.

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Crossing the Curriculum in Physical Education

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Crossing the Curriculum in Physical Education

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Lets get active and have fun while doing it :-)

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It is amazing reflecting upon my college experience to recall the number of best practice concepts that were folded into our learning experiences. One of the big projects we completed in our elementary methods course was a cross curricular unit. Each student selected a topic and then created physical education lessons that met all of the state physical education standards and reinforced concepts related to the subject chosen. At the time, I chose Native Americans and created a unit that reinforced a wide variety of concepts related specifically to Native Americans but also reinforced language arts and math concepts. It was a lot of work and required a good amount of research but it really made me realize the impact a physical education program can have on academic achievement. As I began my teaching career, I took that experience with me and began to search out ways to introduce cross curricular activities in my physical education program.

There are many opportunities to reinforce core content and cross curricular activities in physical education class. This effort to support language arts, math, history, and science should not come at the expense of teaching physical education standards and content. The key is find creative ways to reinforce the core material while keeping true to the goal of teaching the skills and concepts related to developing lifelong movers. Below you will find some suggestions on ways to reinforce core content in PE.

MATH - Skill drills in physical education provide many opportunities for students to practice counting in multiples. Student can also be given points for completing different tasks. As the points add up, students will need to use basic math skills to compute their score. Another skill that is easy to incorporate is pattern building. This can be done as station work or as part of creative relay races. Money can be used as a reinforcement for completing tasks thereby giving students additional exposure to the look of various types of currency (coins vs. bills) and how to count it. There are also many opportunities to discuss math vocabulary that relate to physical education (i.e. - angle, measurement, perimeter, distance, etc.).

LANGUAGE ARTS - When students enter the gym, a great way to reinforce language arts is to have the students read instructions for their warm-up. If doing this, keep the language simple and post three or fewer basic instructions. Physical educators can use spelling words in a variety of creative ways to help students (i.e. - jump rope spelling, word sort challenge, GeoMat spelling, etc.). PE teachers can also reinforce key vocabulary using a Word Wall.

SCIENCE - One of my favorite ways to support science was to perform experiments in physical education class. The practical use of experimentation vocabulary when learning about heart rate or burning calories is a great way to reinforce these important science concepts in physical education class. There are also many opportunities to highlight science related vocabulary that is used during PE classes (i.e. - speed, friction, angle of trajectory, fulcrum, lever, aerodynamics, etc.). There are other awesome activities that use student knowledge of science concepts (i.e. - Habitat Survivor (dodging and fleeing), Evaporation (tossing flying discs at a target), Rocket Launcher (striking and catching pool noodles), etc.).

SOCIAL STUDIES - Social Studies is made up of a variety of sub-disciplines like civics, economics, history, and geography. Each discipline has unique vocabulary that can be highlighted in physical education classes. If organizing students into squads or teams, using history vocabulary as team names is a simple way to reinforce the terms (i.e. - Presidents, important Native America tribes, important historical battles, famous Black Americans, etc.). There are also many opportunities using creative activities that are specific to social studies content (i.e. - anything that deals with the Olympics can be connected to Greece, Chinese jump rope has a natural connection to the history of China, etc.).

The key to crossing the curriculum is using the resources available to you at your school (other teacher and/or your administrators). For me, it has always been pretty simple because my wife is a 5 th grade teacher. In many ways, her knowledge and expertise with the core content has helped me be a more effective physical education teacher. I realize that this may not be your situation but I also know that there are many teachers in your school that would be more than willing to provide ideas on ways that you can help their students be successful.

Chad is the Safe Routes to School Coordinator for Chesapeake Public Schools in Chesapeake, VA. Previously, he was a Physical Education Teacher at Deep Creek Elementary in Chesapeake, VA. Chad was the 2011 National Physical Education Teacher of the Year and the 2009 VAHPERD Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Tags: Lesson Plans & Curriculum

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Cross Curricular Activities in Physical Education | Gopher PE Blog

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There are many opportunities to reinforce core content and cross curricular activities in PE. This effort to support language arts, math, history, and science should not come at the expense of teaching physical education standards and content. See how this former PE teacher balanced both in his classes!

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Bringing Core Subjects to PE and PE to the Classroom

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Bringing Core Subjects to PE and PE to the Classroom

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Taking PE to another level!

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With the current trend being standardized testing for students as young as 3 rd grade, all teachers, including physical education teachers, are being asked to do their part in helping students improve academically. This blog will provide ideas on how to bring cross-curricular activities to PE, and also how physical activity can be brought into classrooms, ultimately resulting in the best experience for students.

Virtual Cross-Country Walk Using Pedometers

Incorporate geography and history in PE by taking students on a virtual cross-country walk to a city or place of educational significance. During PE class, students wear pedometers and track their steps for walking and/or running to the place, let's use the Grand Canyon for example.

It's safe to estimate that one step would equal 2-3 feet. At the end of class, students calculate how many feet they walked based on the number of steps they took. Then they determine the number of miles walked and log the data in a computer or log book. Set up a map with your route marked and include check points every 5 or 10 miles. Students should put a mark, like their initials, at the check point when they reach it.

You could also add special check points at towns or cities along the way that have historical significance. When students reach that check point, take a moment or two to share some interesting facts about that place. This is more a long-term project, but the beauty of pedometers is that they can be worn for almost all activities!

This activity is a great opportunity to coordinate with classroom teachers. Students could do a research project about the Grand Canyon during the same time.

Spelling Word Relay

A quick and easy way to bring students' spelling words to class is to have a spelling relay race at the start of class. Create a bunch of paper squares with one letter on each square (or save yourself the work and use this Scramble Game Set). Place the letters in piles at one end of the gym in a hoop.

Say one of the spelling words and have the students run to the hoop and get the first letter in the word and run back. The next student runs and gets the next letter, and so on and so on, until they feel they have spelled the word correctly. When they have the word, have the entire team do jumping jacks to show you they are finished. As the teacher you will quickly check their spelling and if it is correct the students run the letters back to their hoop and they get the next word on the list.

Cross-Curricular Activities at the High School Level

At the high school level, bringing the cross-curricular activities into physical education can be a little more complex. There are great opportunities for biology and PE teachers to work together to have students learning in both classes about the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons being used to do a variety of exercises. Students can do a circuit workout, but instead of saying bicep curls, the teacher could give a clue to get students to think about what muscles, bones and joints are being used to complete the exercise. It's also a great opportunity to talk to students about the specific function of certain muscles and provide examples of activities in class where the muscle is being used.

If you have a fitness center with cardio equipment, students can also use math skills to calculate their target heart rate zone. Then they can write a paper comparing and contrasting different games in class telling you which game keeps them in their target heart rate zone longer and why.

I find the more challenging thing to do is bring physical activity to the classroom. My wife is a third-grade teacher, and I completely understand the she is overwhelmed with trying to squeeze 8 or 9 subjects into her day and me asking her to add PE is the last thing she wants to hear. But, it can be done! And it can be done at little to no expense or you can go all in and spend a little money to get kids active in the classroom.

Active Seats

My wife is fortunate enough that her school district allowed her to purchase active seating and now she has stability balls, wobble seats, and several other similar seats in her classroom that her students use in place of a regular student chair. Her students are allowed to bounce on the stability ball as much as they want as long as there is no air between the ball and the floor and the ball and their backsides. Her class loves it! And it helps those kids with a lot of energy because they can move like crazy and not cause a distraction.

Stations

Another way for elementary teachers to incorporate exercise in their class would be through stations. Students are often divided into small groups to complete a variety of tasks throughout the day, so why not have one of the stations be a physical activity like sit-ups, push-ups, or squats?

As the PE teacher, you can teach the students each of the exercises in PE class and make sure they understand exactly what is expected when they do this station in their classroom.

Active Classroom Equipment

Another recommendation if your school district has the money and the space, would be to create an active classroom using exercise bike or treadmill desks. This equipment is designed for students to exercise and complete school work simultaneously.

There are many great ideas for incorporating core subjects into physical education and also for bringing activity into classrooms. If you or your school uses any different activities or methods, please share in the comment section below!

Jason is a High School Physical Education Teacher at Midd-West High School in Middleburg, PA. He is also the Head Boys & Girls Track & Field Coach, and a former Head Boys Basketball Coach. Jason and Midd-West High School were one of the winners of the Carol M. White PEP Grant in 2010.

Tags: cross-curricular activities, Cross-curricular games

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Ideas for Incorporating Cross-Curricular Activities in PE | Gopher PE Blog

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With the current trend being standardized testing for students as young as 3 rd grade, all teachers, including physical education teachers, are being asked to do their part in helping students improve academically. This blog will provide ideas on how to bring cross-curricular activities to PE, and also how physical activity can be brought into classrooms, ultimately resulting in the best experience for students.

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The universe is the limit!

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I am totally, head-over-heels in love with cross-curricular planning. Here's why.

Cross-curricular planning is one of the best ways to make what you do in the art room visible to others. Because of this, it's a great way to build support for your program.

Tying your curriculum to other content areas benefits everyone involved. Classroom teachers love that their content is being reviewed in the art room. I love that my content is being reviewed in the regular ed classroom. Most importantly, the students love it because it allows them to dive deeper into interesting subjects. It's a win-win-win situation! I suppose we could throw one or two more "wins" in there, because administrators and parents love it, too!

When I first started at my current school three years ago, the classroom teachers had never collaborated with the art teacher before. If you're in a similar situation, here are a few ideas to get you started.

5 Simple Steps to Start Cross Curricular Planning

1. Make Your Intentions Known

Ask your administrator for 5 minutes at a staff meeting. Give a short speech about how you'd like to collaborate with other teachers to enrich students' experiences in the art room. You might say something like, "Hello staff. I'd love to try something new this year in the art room. To help our kids make connections, I will be tying some art projects to concepts you are learning about in the classroom. To do this, I need your help. I will be asking for a basic outline of what you teach during each month of the year. Please look for an email coming soon."

2. Gather Information

The last thing I wanted to do was overwhelm classroom teachers. During the first year I implemented my plan, I only asked for 3 months of information at a time. In addition, I had only one contact person for each grade level.

So, for example, in the fall I emailed one of the second-grade teachers and asked what second graders were studying in October, November, and December. When the beginning of December rolled around, I sent another email asking about January, February, and March. You get the idea.

3. Organize as You Go

As my information began to roll in, I started compiling it in a simple chart. One column contained what the students were learning in their classrooms, and the other contained possible projects I could do in the art room. At the end of the year, I had an awesome resource! Below is the document I use for my second graders.

You can download your own blank Cross Curricular planning matrix. Click right here to grab your copy!

4. Keep Your Documents Updated

Now, about three times a year, I just send out the cross-curricular planning documents and ask for feedback. Anything new? Anything different? If so, I update the document.

5. Start Slowly and Keep the Door Open

Last, but not least, remember that you don't have to tie everything the students are learning into your projects. (Wisconsin Lumber Industry? No thanks.) If you are just starting out, trying one project per semester per grade level might be a good goal. Do whatever feels manageable for you. In addition, remind classroom teachers that you are always open to suggestions. Creative classroom teachers have initiated some of my most successful cross-curricular lessons!
Have you tried cross-curricular planning? What has your biggest obstacle been? What are your successes?

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Tying it All Together: A Short Guide to Cross-Curricular Planning - The Art of Ed

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I am totally, head-over-heels in love with cross-curricular planning. Here's why. Cross-curricular planning is one of the best ways to make what you do in the art room visible to others. Because of this, it's a great way to build support for your program. Tying your curriculum to other content areas benefits everyone involved.

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Center rotations.

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Games, Apps, Books, and More for Young Learners
By NAfME member Dawn Sloan
Did you ever walk by a preschool or kindergarten classroom and wonder, "What in the world are they doing in there?" After asking myself this question for about the millionth time, I decided to take a closer look.

Do you know what I discovered was going on in their loud, fun, seemingly chaotic classrooms? Learning. Meaningful, engaging, differentiated learning and discovery for every child. I thought to myself, "This is awesome! How can I make this work in Music?"

I started by talking with my preschool and kindergarten coworkers about how they use centers and work stations in their rooms. I went online and read a few teacher blogs about centers. Then I asked myself some questions and made some lists.

What did I want to accomplish?

What standards and skills did I want the kids to work on?

How was I going to set up the room?

How often should I use centers?

Once I had a plan, I gave it a try. I'm not going to lie: My first center experience wasn't perfect, and seven years later I am still making changes and additions, but centers are now a regular part of my music classes. Through centers, kids are experiencing, discovering, listening, creating and learning music while having a blast!

Centers promote student responsibility, ownership, self-management and Problem-solving.

Centers can be differentiated for individual student needs/learning styles.

Centers allow for 1 on 1 instruction and individual performance assessments.

Centers provide opportunities for cross-curricular connections.

Centers promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.

Centers allow teachers to facilitate, while students explore, experience, discover, and create.

Centers are hands-on, engaging and FUN!

Define spaces using, signs, rugs, cones, etc.

Designate an order or rotation by numbers, letters, arrows, etc.

Select an amount of time for each rotation (I like 5 min).

Introduce a Time-to-switch signal: lights out, bell, gong, rain stick, etc.

Carefully select groups (I like groups of 3 chosen by me).

Be sure to keep things interesting, but not too much new material at once. (I introduce 1 new station each time).

Use a center for individual assessment when needed, but don't forget to have fun while reading, singing, or performing.

Include stations that support the skills students have been developing in class.

Listening/Headphones - try 1 piece in 2 or 3 different versions to compare/contrast.

Check out Kim Maloney on Teachers Pay Teachers for listening forms.

Laptops - nyphilkids.org is our favorite for a variety of games and activities.

iPads - Favorite apps: Whack a Note, Note Works, and Simon Music.

SMARTBoard - My kids are addicted to Staff Wars (free download at www.themusicinteractive.com).

Instruments - Providing color-coded melody cards for Name-that-Tune works great with Boomwhackers or keyboards.

Paper - Coloring, puzzles, Sudoku, composing, or written assessments with some colorful clipboards and scented markers for extra fun.

Books - My kids absolutely LOVE the Electronic Time for Learning Music books by Publications International LTD. Look for them on Amazon or at discount bookstores.

Games - I have sooooo many games. Here are some of our favorites with brief descriptions and where to find them online.

Busted - Stolen from a coworker, but similar games are online. Pull a stick, read the rhythm, collect sticks, pull a 'Busted' stick and put all collected sticks back!

Twister - Created my own, but different versions are on Pinterest. Tape or Velcro staff on floor, cards with directions such as "Right hand on G."

Basketball - Created my own with a Nerf hoop and some cards. Multiple versions: read rhythm, sing melody, ID instrument.

When I first tried centers seven years ago, there were hardly any resources out there. Now a simple Google search will give you millions of options. (Follow my Music Center Ideas Board on Pinterest for more ideas). It will take some time, organizing, planning, and creating in order to tailor your station activities to your specific needs. But if you give centers a try, I think you and your students will love them!
About the author NAfME member Dawn Sloan teaches Kindergarten through Fifth Grade General Music at Paulding Elementary in Paulding, Ohio. She has been teaching for 17 years, and is always implementing new strategies, activities, and technology into her classroom. Dawn has presented at OMEA conferences and will lead the session 'Centers in Music Class? Yes!' at the NAfME conference this fall. She lives in Van Wert, Ohio with her band directing husband, Bob, and piano playing 8-year-old, Harrison.
Dawn Sloan will be presenting on her topic " Centers in Music Class? YES!" at the 2016 NAfME National In-Service Conference this November in Grapevine, TX! Register today!

Join us for more than 100 innovative professional development sessions, nightly entertainment, extraordinary performances from across the country, and tons of networking opportunities with over 3,000+ other music educators! Learn more and register today: http://bit.ly/NAfME2016. And follow the hashtag #NAfME2016!
Did this blog spur new ideas for your music program? Share them on Amplify! Interested in reprinting this article? Please review the reprint guidelines. The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) provides a number of forums for the sharing of information and opinion, including blogs and postings on our website, articles and columns in our magazines and journals, and postings to our Amplify member portal. Unless specifically noted, the views expressed in these media do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Association, its officers, or its employees.
Brendan McAloon, Marketing and Events Coordinator, July 15, 2016. © National Association for Music Education ( NAfME.org).

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By NAfME member Dawn Sloan Did you ever walk by a preschool or kindergarten classroom and wonder, "What in the world are they doing in there?" After asking myself this question for about the millionth time, I decided to take a closer look.