Center 1: Notation Station
This center provides each student an opportunity to notate and work towards rhythmic independence. They clap their own composition, then use rhythm sticks to transfer that skill onto an instrument. Once they've successfully played the rhythm sticks, they switch compositions with another student in their group. This provides students with an extra challenge. One of my favorite things is overhearing their conversations with statements like "Ok-you need to go slow because mine is REALLY tricky!"
We are using Monkey Drum and Arpie this week. Monkey Drum provides students with a character who mimics their rhythm on a virtual drum. As the student's rhythm gets more complex, the monkey is given a banana to eat and it fills up 1/3 of his 'heart'. When a student successfully provides him with 3 bananas, the heart gage fills up and they are given coins. These coins allows them to "purchase" different drums/instruments on the app.
Arpie is a simple app that create a bouncing ball when you tap the iPad. The more taps = the more bouncing balls. The balls bounce on squares that use a pentatonic scale to provide a melodic balance.
Center 3: Puppet Pals-Improvisation I bring out a few puppets and stuffed animals for the students to practice socializing and playing well together. I realize that there is a lot of pressure for students with testing, so I like for them sometimes use this center to build their creativity and imagination. |