7th Grade Arts & Music Lesson

Looking for a way to have some fun while learning music? Look no further. This Graphic Scores Unit will have your students exploring how to represent sound using graphics and composing in no time! There are 3 main lessons included in this unit, however, the last lesson will likely take 6-8 lessons to put together and perform. This unit is one I have used with my own students so I know how much fun they have with it! The great thing with graphic scores is you don't really need any instruments to compose which makes this unit even better if you're teaching music on a cart or have limited resources available.

Overview:

This graphic score short unit exposes students to what a graphic score is. They get to represent sound using graphics and compose their own graphic score using found sounds. Students will learn how sound and music can be represented using graphics. They will practice representing a short piece of music through graphics. After, they will represent common soundscapes using their own graphics and will then create their own graphic score to perform. I created this in Google Docs/Slides so that you can customize this unit to your own unique needs.

Learning Goals:

• We are learning how to represent sounds and music using non-traditional notation.
• We are learning to compose a piece of music using found sounds and represent our sound using graphics.

Success Criteria:

• I can represent sound using graphics.
• I can compose a piece of music with a group and perform it using my score.

What’s Included:

• Lesson Plans and Ideas
• Google Slides Lesson on Graphic Scores (including original composition to practice creating graphic scores)
• Graphic organizer for students with fill in the blanks about graphic scores
• Graphic organizer for students to represent original composition as a graphic score
• Graphic organizer for students to represent soundscapes using graphics
• Graphic score for students to create their own graphic scores
• Rubrics to mark graphic score assignments
• 3 Stars and a Wish for peer feedback

This creative Dragons & Castles Scene was designed to be printed and displayed as examples while you teach. Use this PDF file to display these beautiful images one-by-one on a large screen. For this assignment, I asked students to brainstorm a dragons & castle drawing inside their sketchbook. Foreground, middle ground, and background were emphasized throughout the 4–5-day unit. I asked students to lightly redraw the composition onto watercolor paper. I asked students to paint the larger areas first and paint the dragon and details last. I hope you and your kiddos love this! Enjoy.

Pablo Picasso was among the most impactful artists of the 20th century. He is recognized for co-founding the Cubist movement, creating constructed sculpture, co-inventing collage, and for the diverse range of styles that he contributed to and examined.

For approximately 80 of his 91 years, Picasso dedicated himself to creating art that played a crucial role in the overall progress of modern art during the 20th century, especially through the creation of Cubism (alongside artist Georges Braque) around 1907.

Picasso is often regarded as THE genius of the twentieth century. Possibly more than any other artist, he transformed the course of art, initiating the modernist movement. He was an innovator of Cubism, subsequently of collage art, and eventually neo-classicism.

This lesson plan centers around the artwork of Pablo Picasso. Numerous activities are provided, arranged in two worksheets. Their answers are provided in the end. Six of his most famous works are also included.

I know what you're all thinking, but if you can't beat them, join them?

Gen Alpha's slang, which you've probably heard from your older kids is sweeping the nation uncontrollably, but why not turn it into a decipher and decode lesson?

In Rizz Rhythms, students will see their Gen-Alpha slang on the powerpoint slides and will have to decipher the rhythm using triplets, eighth note pairs, and quarter notes. The rhythm will be shown on the animation on the next slide.

• You can either have the students notate it out on whiteboards...

• make rhythm cards or tiles

• have them write it on the board

• make it a race between A team vs B team to spell it out

• or however you can imagine

Although this may be cringe, you're sure to be a sigma after this one ;) 20 rhythm for all your kids -- BUSSIN!

This product features an engaging "Art Talk" activity that will have your new students thinking, writing, speaking, and moving on the very first day of school. In this activity, they must choose between 6 different quotes about art and articulate why the quote aligns with their perspective on art. I use this lesson every year to set the tone for what I expect in class - it is a great way to gain insight about their current attitudes towards art while they get to know one another with a higher level thinking activity as opposed to the same-old, same-old icebreaker. Product includes: - Comprehensive Lesson Plan - "Art Talk" Sheet for students to fill out - 6 Corresponding "Art Quote" signs to hang up around your room Though I utilize this product on the first day of school, it really can be used all year long. I hope that it is as successful in your class as it is in mine! _________________________________________________________________________ Also, check out these great products to start your school year off strong by Language Arts Excellence: First Day of School Powerpoint Study Hall Expectations Powerpoint Presentation Back to School / Open House Brochure

$25 Nutcracker Themed Christmas School Unit Bundle ($39 value)

Combines Nutcracker and the Mouse King Picture Book Study, Nutcracked Novel Study and Vocabulary, Guided Nutcracker Descriptive Essay, Kingdom of Sweets Project, Kingdom of Sweets Project Research, and BONUS: Nutcracker Ballet Mini Introduction Lesson. Also includes bonus files to combine all these units into a 20-Day Christmas School Lesson.

Nutcracker and the Mouse King Picture Book Study ($5 Value)

This study works excellent as an introduction to studying the Nutcracker Ballet.

The materials are based on the picture book The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the original Story by ETA Hoffman, illustrated by Gail de Marcken, and the Story adapted by Wren Mayse. The aim is for the description features to enhance the readers' understanding and interpretation of the Story.

What is Included: 23 Pages Total

· Goal and Instructional Pages for Teacher

· Lesson Plans for 10-days of lessons

· Pre-Reading Notes Page (1 page)

· Discussion Questions (9 pages)

· Story Outline (Plot Outline) (2 pages)

· Battle Plan Outline (2 pages)

· Answer Keys (4 pages)

Nutcracked Novel Study and Vocabulary ($8 Value)

Novel Study: These materials for Susan Adrian's novel Nutcracked aim to enhance readers' understanding and interpretation of the Story.

What is Included: 40 Pages

· Goal and Instructional Pages for Teacher

· Lesson Plans for 15-days of lessons- Incorporate vocabulary work in

· Discussion Questions (11 pages)

· Reality vs. Fantasy-Journal (1 page)

· Reality vs. Fantasy-Teaching Worksheet Activity (1 page)

· Reality vs. Fantasy-2 Worksheets (1 page each)

· Georgie's Problems (Conflict Worksheet) (1 page)

· Plot Diagram (1 page)

· Final Test (2 Options) (2 pages each)

· Answer Keys (8 pages)

Vocabulary: In general, the goal for finding vocabulary words within a novel is for students to encounter words they may not have seen or heard before and then understand their meaning in the text and in their everyday lives.

What is Included: 31 Pages

· Goals and Instructional Pages for Teacher

· Master Word Lists (3 pages)

· Student Dictionary (11 pages)

· Crossword Puzzles (3 pages)

· Word Search (1 page)

· Vocabulary in Context Worksheet (2 pages)

· Final Test (1 page)

· Answer Keys (6 pages)

Guided Nutcracker Descriptive Essay ($5 Value)

This guided descriptive essay asks students to describe a nutcracker. There are three separate options to use based on the level and ability of your students.

Option 1: A full five-paragraph essay with three body paragraphs and an introduction and conclusion are required. This includes a planning page, a student requirement page, and a rubric.

Option 2: A fill-in-the-blank essay is used for young writers learning to spell and write. It includes a planning page, a student-required description, and a nutcracker to color according to the description.

Option 3: A Full five-paragraph essay with three body paragraphs, an introduction, and a conclusion is required. This includes a planning page, a student requirement page, and a rubric. A little less is required for this level.

What is Included: 15 Pages

· Goals and Instructional Pages for Teachers

· Younger Student Options Explanations

· Student Requirements Handout

· Rubric

· Planning Page

· Fill in the Blank Essay

· Fill in the Blank Planning Page

· Color and Decorate Nutcracker

· Younger Essay Requirements

· Younger Essay Rubric

· Younger Essay Planning Page

· Writing Page

Kingdom of Sweets Project ($5 Value)

The goal for this project is for your child/students to practice using area and perimeter. They will also practice spatial awareness as they plan for elements to fit within the area provided. The different areas they will place on their maps are based on the realms represented in the Nutcracker Ballet (when visiting after Marie/Clara rescues the Nutcracker/Prince)

Children/students can practice following instructions and requirements by following the assignment's instructions.

What is Included: 9 Pages

· Goals and Instructions for Teachers

· Instructions/Requirements

· Example

· Rubric

· Legends Page.

· Elements Page

· Separate 11x14 printable graph page

Kingdom of Sweets Project Research Extension ($5 Value):

This project aims to help your child/students practice their research skills. They will pick one of the "realms" or regions based on the realms represented in the Nutcracker Ballet (when visiting after Marie/Clara rescues the Nutcracker/Prince). Children/students can practice following instructions and requirements by following the assignment's instructions. Two options are available to complete the report. 1. Predesigned Research Page or 2. Written Research Report (with introduction and conclusion). An optional presentation extension is available for students to create a project based on architecture, dress, or food research done on their report. Rubrics and student instructions are available for each report/and the Presentation.

What is Included: 12 Pages

• Goals and Instruction Page for Teachers (1 page)
• Student Instructions/Requirements (1 page)
• Student Report Pages (2 pages)
• Rubric For Report on Student Report Pages (1 page)
• Student Instructions/Requirements for Presentation (1 page)
• Rubric for Presentation (1 page)

BONUS: Nutcracker Ballet Mini Introduction Lesson ($4 Value)

This mini-unit is the perfect accompaniment to introducing the Nutcracker Ballet. Students will learn information about the Composer and the ballet composition. There is also a listening journal (you will need to make multiple copies for each piece you listen to) and a story map (upper and lower-level options) for students to use as they follow along with the ballet to increase their understanding and interpretation of the events happening.

What is Included: 14 Pages Total

· Goal and Instructional Pages for Teacher

· Composer Notes (1 page)

· Composition Notes (1 page)

· Story Map (Upper (5 pages)/lower level) (1 pagethe description multiple copies as needed)

· Listening Journal (1 page- use multiple copies as needed)

This Bundle also includes a Bundle Guide:12 Pages ($3 value)

· Goals and Instructions for the Bundle (1 page)

· Brief Bundle Overview (1 page)

· 20 Days of Lesson Plans (5 pages) (helps combine all units into one)

· Page with suggested arts and crafts links (2 pages)

Look for other Christmas School Bundle Units on my website or TeachShare storefront.

Great Americans who have shaped the arts, sciences, sports, and history of our nation and culture get lost in time. The Great Americans Series of Biographies and Worksheets is an easy-to-read 200-word Biography of just the highlights of each subject's life designed to keep young readers engaged. The Questions page ensures student reading comprehension and grasp of key points. The Vocabulary page introduces and explains new words, phrases, and/or institutions students may not have been familiar with. The Quotes page challenges students to write what a famous quote by the subject means to them. The Great Americans Series is available individually or in bundles, making great bell work. An Answer Key is provided with each worksheet.

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!

This creative Dragons & Castles Scene was designed to be printed and displayed as examples while you teach. Use this PDF file to display these beautiful images one-by-one on a large screen. For this assignment, I asked students to brainstorm a dragons & castle drawing inside their sketchbook. Foreground, middle ground, and background were emphasized throughout the 4–5-day unit. I asked students to lightly redraw the composition onto watercolor paper. I asked students to paint the larger areas first and paint the dragon and details last. I hope you and your kiddos love this! Enjoy.

In Electro, introduce your kids to some great music from indigenous instruments from Africa! Using your classroom Djembe or Tubanos, learn the music by rote by taking it one rehearsal section at a time (with rehearsal markings [A], [B], [C], and so forth). This is terrific practice with your older students who want to work on alternating hands!

The notation on the first space F is a bass (middle of the drum) and the notation on the 3rd line B is a tone (four fingers near the rim of the drum, pitched a bit higher) At the end, wrap it up and put on a show!

Want to layer it?

• Have shakers play on specified beats (try 2 and 4)
• Have shakers play 16th notes all the way throughout or in specific sections
• Have half the class play 1st and 3rd measures, the other half play 2nd and 4th measures
• Do it in a round! )
• Use this in class, a concert, a parent showcase, admin, faculty and staff, whatever you wish!

End of Year "Art Talk" Activity for Middle and High School Students This resource features an engaging "Art Talk" activity that will have your students thinking, writing, speaking, and moving all in one class period during the last week of school! In this activity, they must choose between 6 different quotes about art and articulate why the quote aligns with their perspective on art itself. I use this lesson at the end of every year to see how my students' perspectives on art have developed and matured throughout the school year. This is perfect if you are looking for an engaging lesson plan during the one of the toughest weeks of the year! Product includes: - Comprehensive Lesson Plan - "Book Talk" Sheet for students to fill out - 6 Corresponding "Book Quote" signs to hang up around your room Though I utilize this product during the last week of school, it really can be used all year long. I hope that it is as successful in your class as it is in mine!

Great Americans who have shaped the arts, sciences, sports, and history of our nation and culture get lost in time. This bundle of Great American women biographies and worksheets is an easy-to-read 200-word Biography of just the highlights of each subject's life designed to keep young readers engaged. The Questions page ensures student reading comprehension and grasp of key points. The Vocabulary page introduces and explains new words, phrases, and/or institutions students may not have been familiar with. The Quotes page challenges students to write what a famous quote by the subject means to them. The Great Americans Series is available individually or in bundles, making great bell work. An Answer Key is provided with each worksheet.

Welcome to MsNerdWood’s Baroque Music Escape Room!

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

Transform your music history lessons into an unforgettable adventure with this engaging escape room activity, designed specifically for grades 6-8. Perfect for regular and substitute teachers alike, this escape room introduces students to the wonders of the Baroque era, making music history fun and exciting.

Why Choose This Baroque Music Escape Room?

• Educational and Fun: Students will discover the key elements of Baroque music, learn about famous composers, and understand musical concepts while engaging in thrilling puzzles and challenges.
• Interactive Learning: This escape room is designed to captivate students’ attention, turning traditional music history lessons into an immersive and interactive experience.
• Teacher-Friendly: Easy to set up and facilitate, this activity is perfect for any classroom, especially for supply teachers needing an engaging lesson plan with minimal prep.
• Curriculum-Based: Aligns with curriculum goals, ensuring students gain valuable knowledge about the Baroque period through hands-on activities.

What’s Included?

• Detailed Teacher Guide: Comprehensive instructions to help you set up and run the escape room smoothly, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
• Student Challenges: A variety of engaging tasks, including matching games, true/false questions, and more, focused on the music, art, and culture of the Baroque era.
• Printable Resources: High-quality, visually appealing printables that make learning fun and keep students engaged.
• Answer Keys and Solutions: Complete answer keys for each challenge to support easy facilitation and student success.

Learning Objectives:

• Discover Baroque Music: Students will explore the distinctive features of Baroque music, including its emotional and dramatic qualities.
• Learn About Key Composers: Gain insights into the lives and works of influential composers such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi.
• Master Musical Terminology: Understand essential Baroque music terms like fugue, basso continuo, and ornamentation.

Ideal for Any Classroom:

• Versatile Use: Suitable for regular classroom activities, substitute plans, or enrichment programs.
• Engages Diverse Learners: Designed to cater to various learning styles, ensuring every student is involved and motivated.

Bring Music History to Life!

This Baroque Music Escape Room is more than just an educational activity—it’s a dynamic way to make music history fun. By combining learning with adventure, this escape room will leave a lasting impact on your students and ignite their curiosity about the Baroque era.

Download Today!

Enhance your music classroom with this captivating Baroque Music Escape Room and watch your students embark on an exciting journey through the Baroque period.

This creative Dragons & Castles Scene was designed to be printed and displayed as examples while you teach. Use this PDF file to display these beautiful images one-by-one on a large screen. For this assignment, I asked students to brainstorm a dragons & castle drawing inside their sketchbook. Foreground, middle ground, and background were emphasized throughout the 4–5-day unit. I asked students to lightly redraw the composition onto watercolor paper. I asked students to paint the larger areas first and paint the dragon and details last. I hope you and your kiddos love this! Enjoy.

This'll DEFINITELY get your 4th and 5th Grade boys going (and girls too!)

We're taking a detour and going right into the WWE with a slamming arrangement of the Roman Reigns (The WWE undisputed heavyweight champion) theme song "Head of the Table"

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 2 or 4 times). Then, apply it to drums!

Note: This arrangement is written in HALF time (don't do it at MM=160, or else you'd end up finishing it way sooner than it needs to be lol)

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://youtu.be/n0QT\_teLcNk?si=\_YFu9fmvMb4tba01

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.

__________________________________

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

As time moves on, many great Americans who have shaped the arts, sciences, sports, and history of our nation and culture get lost in time. The Great Americans Series of Biographies and Worksheets is an easy-to-read 200-word biography of just the highlights of each subject's life designed to keep young readers engaged. The questions worksheet ensures student reading comprehension and grasp of key points. The vocabulary page introduces and explains new words, phrases, and/or institutions students may not have been familiar with. The Quotes page challenges students to write what the quote means to them. The Great Americans Series is available individually or in bundles, making great bell work. An Answer Key is provided with each worksheet.

This creative Winter Concert Decorations: Art Unit was designed to be printed and displayed as examples while you teach. Use this PDF file to display these beautiful images one-by-one on the big screen. For this assignment, I asked students to get with a partner or into small groups and brainstorm subject matter, orientation, and theme of the overall composition. Plus, decide which group member(s) will be in charge of what to draw and where to draw it. Students will need to sketch out ideas first inside a sketchbook, transfer the sketches to Final Copy Paper, outline the large image, and start coloring in everything with crayon. Sadly, most other art materials will ruin the roll paper. I hope you and your kiddos love this! Enjoy!

Need to connect with your kids with their pop music through general music? Involve them in bucket drumming with Rod Stewart's smash hit "Forever Young"

There are four 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 2 or 4 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=mwG6g5boyF4

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.

__________________________________

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

This creative Winter Concert Decorations: Art Unit was designed to be printed and displayed as examples while you teach. Use this PDF file to display these beautiful images one-by-one on the big screen. For this assignment, I asked students to get with a partner or into small groups and brainstorm subject matter, orientation, and theme of the overall composition. Plus, decide which group member(s) will be in charge of what to draw and where to draw it. Students will need to sketch out ideas first inside a sketchbook, transfer the sketches to Final Copy Paper, outline the large image, and start coloring in everything with crayon. Sadly, most other art materials will ruin the roll paper. I hope you and your kiddos love this! Enjoy!

Need to connect with your kids with their pop music through VIDEO GAME MUSIC? Involve them in bucket drumming with the theme that everyone and their brother and/or sister know, The Casino Night Zone Theme from "Sonic the Hedgehog 2"!

There are four 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 multiple 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 that is stacked with quarter notes are played as shots (think like a marching band snare drum -- playing the drum and stick simultaneously as a rimshot or on top of each other -- whatever will you get you the best accent!)

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3JZKyaucK4

Lots of variations in this one as A theme and intro are repeated throughout but gets a bit more technical at the end -- lots of eighth and sixteenth note groupings -- work on those alternating hands!

Terms of Use:

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

_________________________________

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