7th Grade Music Activities

Engage your middle school ELA and humanities curriculum with our meticulously crafted "Survivor" by Destiny's Child Lesson 3-day bundle, designed for grades 5-8. This culturally relevant, comprehensive package seamlessly integrates music and media studies with critical ELA standards, making learning an engaging and transformative experience for students.

What's Included?

• Detailed Lesson Plans: Three structured plans for 60-minute classes, focusing on figurative language, visual elements, and literary analysis.
• Google Slides Presentations: Interactive presentations for easy instruction and student engagement.
• ✅ Answer Keys: Complete solutions for all activities, ensuring straightforward assessment.
• Visual and Literary Analysis Tools: Resources to explore music videos and lyrics in-depth.

Who Is This For?

• Middle School Teachers (Grades 5-8)
• ELA, Writing, and Humanities Educators
• Elective Teachers in Film and Music Study

How to Use This Resource

1. Engage Students: Begin each lesson with a "Do Now" to spark interest.
2. Teach with Technology: Use Google Slides for a dynamic presentation.
3. Collaborative Learning: Encourage group activities for deeper analysis.
4. Assessment Made Easy: Utilize provided answer keys for quick grading.

Standards Aligned

• CCSS 7.3: Determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text.
• CCSS 7.4: Analyzing how elements of a story interact.
• CCSS 7.7: Integrating and evaluating content presented in diverse media and formats.

This resource not only meets critical educational standards but also caters to diverse learning environments, whether in traditional ELA settings or innovative electives. By incorporating "Survivor" into your curriculum, you'll offer students a unique lens through which to explore themes of resilience, empowerment, and the artistic expression of personal growth. Equip your students with the skills to analyze and appreciate the depth of language and media with this all-encompassing resource.

Welcome to MsNerdWood's Classical Music Escape Room!

Want to introduce your students to the Classical music era in a fun and engaging way? Need a supply teacher activity? I've got you covered!

Introduce your students to the elegance and refinement of the Classical music period with this engaging and interactive escape room activity! Ideal for grades 6-8, this escape room will immerse your students in the world of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven (and more) while they work together to solve challenges and unlock clues.

Key Features:

• Engaging Content: Students will explore the Classical period (1750-1830), learning about key composers, musical forms, and the cultural context of the era.
• Interactive Challenges: Includes a variety of puzzles and activities designed to reinforce knowledge while keeping students actively engaged.
• Flexible Grouping: Can be completed in pairs or small groups, making it perfect for collaborative learning.
• Minimal Setup: Easy to use with minimal preparation, making it an excellent option for regular classroom use or as a go-to activity for substitute teachers.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for introducing the Classical music period or as a review activity. It’s a great fit for music history units, general music classes, or cross-curricular lessons involving history and the arts.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Student-Centered Learning: Promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way.
• Easy for Teachers: With clear instructions and all materials included, you can focus on facilitating rather than preparing.
• Great for Substitutes: The ready-to-go format ensures that substitute teachers can seamlessly continue instruction with engaging content.

What’s Included:

• Detailed Teacher’s Guide with step-by-step instructions
• Printable student worksheets and challenge cards
• Answer keys and optional extension activities included!

Bring the Classical period to life in your classroom with this escape room activity that’s sure to captivate and educate your students!

Need to connect with your kids with their pop music through general music? Involve them in bucket drumming with Our #1 selling Imagine Dragons' hit, "Believer"!

There are three all-color coded slides along with the form identifiers listed next to each phrase. Discuss form with the students and teach them (by rote) the rhythms on the powerpoint with the corresponding repeats (most are repeated 4, 6, or 8 times). Then, apply it to drums!

All regular notation is to be played on the buckets (or drums, or ground, however you wish), and the X notation (with a down stem) are played as stick clicks above their head (or you could apply it to a tambourine or other auxiliary instrument)

Here's the track so you can play along...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wtfhZwyrcc

Have fun with this and let us know how it goes!

Terms of Use:

All images/photos/clip art in this resource were created by me.

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*** Looking for more BUCKET DRUMMING resources? *** Find them here!

I am not throwing away my shot! Hamilton vs. Burr: A Musical Journey through Conflict and Character is an innovative resource designed for upper middle school and lower high school English Language Arts teachers. This engaging packet leverages the powerful narrative of the musical 'Hamilton' to delve into the intricate dynamics between two of America's founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. This literary analysis is an easy way to practice plot, conflict, and character development while enjoying some of the best songs from the Hamilton Musical soundtrack.

Key Highlights:

• Detailed Lyric Analysis: Students will read and annotate the lyrics of key songs, exploring the deep narrative and character development. Song lyrics include Aaron Burr, Sir, My Shot, Wait for It, The Election of 1800, Your Obedient Servant, and The World Was Wide Enough.
• Figurative Language Identification: Enhance literary comprehension by identifying figurative language, fostering a greater appreciation of the songs' poetic elements.
• Critical Character and Conflict Exploration: Thought-provoking questions on conflict, plot, and character are included, promoting analytical skills through a 'Claim, Evidence, Reasoning' framework.
• Cross-Curricular Engagement: Seamlessly integrating music and history with English literature, this resource offers a multi-dimensional learning experience.
• Interactive Google Slides Presentation: A comprehensive presentation with embedded songs enhances classroom engagement and interaction.
• Comprehensive Answer Key: Facilitates teaching and ensures effective learning outcomes.

Extension Opportunities:

• Creative Writing Prompts: Encourage students to write from the perspectives of Hamilton or Burr, deepening their understanding of these historical figures.
• Debate Sessions: Host debates on the decisions and actions of Hamilton and Burr, fostering critical thinking and public speaking skills.
• Research Projects: Students can undertake research projects on the historical accuracy of the musical, comparing it with actual historical events.

'Hamilton vs. Burr: A Musical Journey through Conflict and Character' is more than just a teaching resource; it's a gateway to exploring history, literature, and music in an immersive and captivating way. Prepare to bring the excitement of 'Hamilton' into your classroom and watch as your students develop a richer understanding of literary analysis, historical context, and character study.

Wanna get your Orff Ensemble moving and grooving but don't know where to start? Get percussive with five original compositions for your Orff Ensemble.

This Orff Ensemble orchestration provides parts for Soprano Glockenspiel, Soprano Xylophone, Alto Xylophone, Bass Xylophone, Percussion, and Boomwhackers with color coded notes. All parts work together and you can perform the arrangement with all or just some of the parts. Xylophone doubles as the Metallophone part if you have Metallophones.

You are free to dissect melodies and harmonies to what you wish, or play right from the beginning tothe end. Most arrangements are around 18-24 measures long. 3 of the pieces are in C major, 2 are in D minor (best wishes to those who have a removable B-flat bar!)

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Enjoy!

Engage and Inspire Your Middle School ELA Students!

Dive into the festive season with our Christmas Hip Hop Lyrics Analysis resource, exclusively designed for grades 6-8 ELA classrooms. This unique, print-and-go package on TeachShare brings the vibrant world of hip hop into your classroom, featuring iconic tracks "Christmas Rappin'" by Kurtis Blow and "Christmas in Hollis" by Run DMC.

What's Inside:

• Comprehensive Lyrics Annotation Guide: Students will delve into the lyrics, identifying key elements like setting, rhyme scheme, imagery, connotation, and repetition.
• Figurative Language Classification: A step-by-step guide to help students classify different types of figurative language used in the songs.
• Critical Thinking through Discourse: Utilize the innovative Agree, Disagree, Modify method for stimulating classroom discussions.
• Thematic and Plot Analysis: Students will explore the themes and plot elements, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
• Multiple Choice Quiz: Test their understanding with a 6-question multiple-choice quiz, tailored to middle school comprehension levels.

Why Choose This Resource?

• Culturally Relevant: Connects with students using the universal language of music, particularly hip hop.
• High Engagement: Keeps students interested and involved with contemporary and relatable content.
• Rigorously Designed: Meets educational standards while challenging students' critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ready to Use: No prep needed, just print and you're ready to teach!

Taking a break from our arrangements is the Bucket Drum Battle, a series of 8 different bucket drumming etudes that will work your kids silly! With a cutting edge template with modern fonts and a wide array of colors, this will be sure to get your kids hyped up for this coming year!

From the Grey Drum all the way to the Black Drum, your students will learn rhythms, sticking, and work individually to ace their rhythms. After you review the rhythms, sticking, and procedure with your students, play one of the accompaniment tracks (slow, medium, or brisk) and have them all perform together.

Then, ask students individually to play the battle piece. If they master it, add a bucket onto their name chart (included!). Play one, play all! Think of it like the "Recorder Karate" for bucket drums :)

Included you receive:

• 8 color coded rhythm etudes on PowerPoint and PDF
• Accompaniment mp3 files (slow, medium, brisk, 80-120bpm)
• Record keeping chart to for tracking student progress
• jpegs of each rhythm for printing
• Tips and techniques to watch out for printed on each slide

Don't have bucket drums? Try StickStations, hand drums, tubanos, rhythm sticks, or Orff instruments! Anything you can do a rhythm on!

Dive into the world of argumentative writing with a fresh, culturally relevant approach! This comprehensive resource uses the popular song "The Boy is Mine" by Brandy and Monica to introduce middle school students to the key elements of a strong argument.

Learning Objectives:

• Trace an argument using song lyrics.
• Identify the essential components of an argumentative essay.

What's Inside:

• A 60-minute lesson plan aligned with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.
• A 12-slide PowerPoint presentation.
• Chunked and labeled song lyrics for clarity and ease of tracing arguments.
• Vocabulary words: argument, counterargument, and rebuttal.
• Engaging writing activities, including a Do Now, lyric annotation, and a tracing argument graphic organizer.

Usage Scenario: Perfect for middle school ELA teachers and interventionists, this resource is both engaging and educational. Start with a Do Now activity, delve into vocabulary, and introduce students to the iconic artists. After watching the music video, students will actively engage with the lyrics, tracing the arguments of each singer. By the end of the lesson, students will form and share their opinions on which singer presented the strongest argument. The PowerPoint also includes additional discourse questions for extended engagement.

Highlights!

• Print & Go: This resource is ready to be used with minimal preparation.
• High Engagement: Incorporate what students love (music) with what they need to master (argumentative writing).
• Culturally Relevant: Connect with students using a song they recognize and enjoy.

Elevate your teaching game with this innovative resource. Ideal for middle school grades, it aligns with key educational standards, ensuring your students are on the right track while having fun!

We now offer you a new twist on our best selling bucket drumming arrangements, here is the "The Imperial March" from John Williams' Star Wars played as a DUET!

There are five color coded slides with the left portion of the slide being the 1st part of the arrangement and the right portion of the slide being the 2nd part part of the arrangement. Both colors are played simultaneously, (as you would read them horizontally) and then go to the next line of the phrase simultaneously.

Teach them (by rote) the rhythms on the powerpoint with the corresponding repeats (most are repeated 2 times). Then, apply it to drums!

All regular notation is to be played on the buckets (or drums, or ground, however you wish), and the X notation (with a down stem) are played as stick clicks above their head (or you could apply it to a tambourine or other auxiliary instrument)

This is a great arrangement to talk about different timbres, rests and empty space, and have students practice independence from other parts of the ensemble.

Here's the track so you can play along... (recorded by the LSO)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3SZ5sIMY6o

Celebrate Valentine's Day and Black History Month with 'Harmony of Hope,' an inspiring and educational music analysis resource designed for middle school students (Grades 5-8). This engaging and no-prep-required package brilliantly combines themes of love, hope, and inspiration through the lens of pivotal songs from the Civil Rights Movement.

What's Inside:

• Google Slides Presentation (32 Slides): Each slide is a journey into the heart of the Civil Rights era, featuring seven influential songs: "A Change Is Gonna Come," "Respect," "My Girl," "Get Ready," "What's Going On," "People Get Ready," and "Young, Gifted and Black," along with the powerful "Say it Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud." The presentation includes captivating introductions to each artist, music video, thought-provoking discussion questions, and clear directions for exploring each song.
• Comprehensive PDF Packet (10 Pages): This downloadable packet offers the complete lyrics for each song, alongside a notes section for personal reflections and a CER (Claim, Evidence, Reason) based open-ended writing prompt, encouraging deep analytical and creative thinking.

Perfect For:

• Black History Month and Valentine's Day Thematic Learning: This unique resource combines historical significance with themes of love and resilience, offering a multifaceted approach to February's key celebrations.
• Engaging Classroom Discussions: Spark meaningful conversations among students about history, music, and social change.
• Easy Integration into Curriculum: Seamlessly fits into social studies, music, and English language arts lessons.
• No-Prep Convenience: Simply print the materials and you're ready to go! Ideal for busy teachers looking for ready-to-use educational tools.

Bring the powerful messages of hope, love, and inspiration from the Civil Rights Movement into your classroom this February with 'Harmony of Hope.' Engage, educate, and inspire your middle school students with this one-of-a-kind resource!