“Playing is something that we do just “for the fun of it.” Simply put, “play” is using knowledge, body, mind and abilities for the pure enjoyment of using them” (Sparks of Creativity) When we play for fun, there is no threat of making mistakes. “Play can be useful because, as psychologist Jean Piaget suggested, it strengthens various mental skills in one or more of three ways: practice play, symbolic play, and game play” (Root-Berenstein 248-249).
Activity
For my play activity I want my students to create a one minute or less song using their hands, their desks and the things they have in their desk. I want them to explore, experiment, and collaborate with others and then perform their piece in front of the class. I am going to give them the choice to perform in small groups or as a soloist. I want them to use their imagination, listen to the sounds they produce as they hit different parts of their desk with objects. I want them to observe, listen, discuss, and learn from each other.
Playful and Meaningful
Once given this assignment many students could not wait to create sounds and patterns of their own. Many times elementary students want to make rhythmic sounds when they hear other musicians perform. With this assignment they would finally have their chance to show what they can do rhythmically. I am always amazed at the different sounds and rhythms they discover and produce. In this assignment there will be no mistakes. They are improvising. They will create and share. It will be fun! When they leave my room at the end of the period, they can’t believe class is over. My students were sad to leave; they had fun. I am always asked, “Can we do this again?”
Activity
For my play activity I want my students to create a one minute or less song using their hands, their desks and the things they have in their desk. I want them to explore, experiment, and collaborate with others and then perform their piece in front of the class. I am going to give them the choice to perform in small groups or as a soloist. I want them to use their imagination, listen to the sounds they produce as they hit different parts of their desk with objects. I want them to observe, listen, discuss, and learn from each other.
Playful and Meaningful
Once given this assignment many students could not wait to create sounds and patterns of their own. Many times elementary students want to make rhythmic sounds when they hear other musicians perform. With this assignment they would finally have their chance to show what they can do rhythmically. I am always amazed at the different sounds and rhythms they discover and produce. In this assignment there will be no mistakes. They are improvising. They will create and share. It will be fun! When they leave my room at the end of the period, they can’t believe class is over. My students were sad to leave; they had fun. I am always asked, “Can we do this again?”
Saniya went beyond the assignment!
She added lyrics and a vocal melody.
She added lyrics and a vocal melody.