Music
"Music is the universal language of learning and creativity."
- Lovena Rawoo
Australian Music Centre
The Purpose of the Website
The Australian Music Centre website provides resources and support to teachers in relation to teaching Australian music in the classroom, through means of the Australian National Curriculum.
Strengths
1. Comprehensive resources: The website provides lesson maps, worksheets, and PowerPoint slides for the teaching of Australian music.
2. Curriculum alignment: The resources are aligned with the Australian National Curriculum, The Arts-Music F-10.
3. Diverse collection of music: The AMC has a huge collection of Australian music in the form of scores, recordings, and research papers.
Weaknesses
1. Limited accessibility: Some resources may require membership or subscription.
2. Focus on classical music: The website's primary focus is on art music, which does not appeal to all educators.
Teacher-Relevant Elements:
1. Lesson maps: Provide structured lessons for the teaching of Australian music.
2. Worksheets and PowerPoint slides: Support teaching and learning.
3. Alignment with curriculum: The resources are aligned to the Australian National Curriculum.
Classroom Activity: "Instrument Exploration"
Age Group: 4-5 years old
Objective:
To investigate and learn about different Australian instruments or musical styles.
Lesson Plan:
Introduction:
1. Introduce students to a number of Australian instruments or styles of Australian music.
2. Play video, audio or documented examples of instruments or music.
Instrument Exploration:
1. Provide a hands-on opportunity for the students to engage with the instruments (if available).
2. Ask the students to experiment with them or create sounds with the instruments.
Composition Activity:
1. Ask the students to compose a short piece using the instruments or sounds.
2. Encourage collaboration and creativity.
Sharing:
1. Have the students share their compositions with the class.
2. Discuss the creative process and musical ideas.
Assessment:
1. Take note of the students creative process and musical progress.
2. Evaluate their compositions or performances.
Materials:
1. Australian instruments (if distributed)
2. Digital tools or applications for making music
3. Examples of Australian music
This lesson plan outlines opportunities for students to create, appreciate and understand music.
Teach Beside Me
The Purpose of the Website
The Teach Beside Me website aims to provide educators and homeschoolers who wants engaging, hands-on creative learning activities to inspire a love of learning in their students.
Strengths
1. Engaging content: The website has an abundance of hands-on experiential learning activities.
2. Free resources: There is a huge library of free printables that members have access to.
3. Passionate educator: The education and teaching passion of the founder clearly shines through.
Weaknesses
1. Limited curriculum alignment information: There are no explicit mentions of curriculum alignment on the website.
2. Lack of diverse student cohort resources: There are no explicit mentions of resources for diverse student cohorts on the website.
Teacher-Relevant Elements
1. Hands-on activities: The website provides opportunities for engaging, hands-on learning activities.
2. Free printables: Members have access to a library of free printable.
Classroom Activity:
Concept: "Hands-on Math"
Age Group: 4-5 years old
Objective:
To introduce children to basic math concepts through play.
Activity:
Math Play Stations:
1. Number blocks: Use building blocks with numbers to encourage counting and number recognition.
2. Shape sorting: Offer shape sorters or puzzles to practice problem-solving.
3. Counting games: Create a counting game with toys or objects.
Circle Time:
1. Sing number songs and count together.
2. Use visual aids to introduce basic math concepts.
Benefits:
1. Builds math awareness: Introduces basic math concepts.
2. Fosters problem-solving: Build critical thinking.
3. Encouraging creativity: Encourages play and exploration.
This activity makes math fun and engaging for young children!
Sound Lab
The Purpose of the Website
The Sound Lab website appears to be for a Melbourne music school and store that offers music lessons and resources to enable individuals to develop their musical skills. Teachers may use this resources to support music education in schools, along with some some instrumental lessons, music theory, and some creative projects.
Strengths
1. Specialized music focus: The website is focused on music education and resources.
2. Experienced instructors: The school has experienced music teachers.
Weakness
1. Limited online resources: The website does not seem to provide many online resources.
Teacher-Relevant Element:
1. Music lessons: The school provides music lessons for different instruments and levels of competence.
Potential Uses for Teachers:
1. Instrumental lessons: Teachers can arrange for Sound Lab instructors to provide instrumental classes or workshops.
2. Music curriculum enhancement: The Sound Lab resources could provide music curriculum with new ideas and different approaches.
3. Creative projects: Teachers could get their students to explore music composition, songwriting, or music production using Sound Lab's facilities and/or resources.
Benefits for Schools:
1. Enhanced music program: Sound Lab's resources can add depth and quality to school music programs.
2. Expert instruction: Students can benefit from additional experienced music instructors who are experiences in their discipline.
3. Creative opportunities: Sound Lab's resources can provide an inspiration for students to explore their musical creativity.
Classroom Activity:
"Sound Discovery"
Age Group: 4-5 years old
Objective:
1. To explore basic sound ideas with young children in a play-based way.
2. To expose students to different musical instruments
3. To develop listening awareness and appreciation of music
4. To inspire creativity through exploring music
Activity:
Sound Exploration:
1. Instrument Play: Provide simple instruments (for example, tambourine, drum, maracas).
2. Sound-making Objects: Provide everyday objects that make noises (for example, bell, shaker bottle).
3. Sound Walk: Take a short walk around the classroom or playground to identify the different sounds produced.
Circle Time:
1. Discuss the sounds the children heard during the sounds walk.
2. Sing songs with sound effects.
Benefits:
1. Develops auditory skills: Introduces children to sound recognition.
2. Encourages creativity: Supports exploration and imagination.
3. Promotes curiosity: Encourages children to explore their environment.
Assessment:
1. Participation and engagement of students
2. Compositions created by students
This activity makes sound discovery enjoyable, accessible and engaging for young learners.
Deadly Vibe
The Purpose of the Website
The Deadly Vibe website uses media products, events and resources to advocate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, health, education, and lifestyle. Teachers can use these resources in projects where they teach children about Indigenous cultures, histories, and perspectives and to develop cultural awareness, understanding, and appreciation in the classroom.
Strengths
1. Cultural relevance: The website promotes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
2. Educational resources: It provides resources for teaching and learning.
3. Showcase of Indigenous talent: The site is a showcase of Indigenous music, art, and other expressions of creativity.
Weakness:
1. Limited curriculum links: The website does not specifically refer to curriculum alignments.
Potential Uses for Teachers:
1. Cultural education: Use Deadly Vibe's resources to teach students about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
2. Indigenous perspectives: Incorporate authentic Indigenous voices and perspectives as part of the lesson material.
3. Cross-curriculum integration: Use the resources for learning across the curriculum in music, dance, and visual arts.
Classroom Activity
"Exploring Indigenous Music"
Age Group:
4-5 years old
Objective:
1. To provide young children with exposure to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music traditions.
2. Assist to further develop musical awareness and appreciation
3. Encourage creativity through music and movement
Activity:
Music Session:
1. Play some traditional Indigenous music or songs from Deadly Vibe's resources.
2. Encourage children to move, dance, or clap along.
3. Introduce some simple instruments, e.g., clapsticks, tambourine.
Song Time:
1. Teach children a traditional Indigenous song or a song about Indigenous culture.
2. Use actions and gestures to promote understanding and engagement.
Benefits:
1. Cultural Awareness: Children are provided with experience of Indigenous music traditions.
2. Musical Exploration: Children are encouraged to create their own rhythm and movement.
3. Fun and engagement: Children enjoy hearing and singing songs and become aware of cultural diversity.
Resources:
1. Deadly Vibe's music resources
2. Traditional Indigenous instruments
3. Music player or device
Assessment:
1. Student participation and engagement
2. Student response to music and movement activities
This activity promotes cultural understanding, musical exploration, and creativity in young learners.