Fifth”, an Orff arrangement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Movement 1 (appropriate for grades 4-8). In the same issue, read biographies about Beethoven and Elvis and compare the two to find out what they have in common. In the October/November 2010 issue, use “Thanksgiving” by John Horman, with lesson sugges- tions by Jeanette Morgan, to teach 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders about phrasing, form, and texture. Several of the activities not only teach musical skills and concepts but also help to reinforce concepts taught in science, math, social studies, physical education, art, and language arts. In the October/November 2010 issue, “Matter Music” helps students learn about solid, liquid, and gas molecules while studying about duration of whole notes, half notes, and eighth notes. This lesson includes movement, instruments, and reproducible visuals (provided for your convenience). Other integrated lessons include “The Science of Sound” (August/September 2008), a unit on Native American music (October/November 2009), and several counting and alphabet activities for younger students.
In addition to general music lessons, this magazine obviously prides itself on choosing age- appropriate, quality choral pieces. My 4th, 5th, and 6th grade chorus members found a new favorite piece in Sherri Porterfield’s haunting arrangement of Something Told the Wild Geese, found in the October/ November 2009 issue, which we performed for our winter concert. From the same issue, they are currently learning (and enjoying) Blue Waters of the North arranged by Phyllis Wolfe White, a partner song arrange- ment of “Land of the Silver Birch” and “Canoe Song” with optional soprano glockenspiel accompaniment. Both of these pieces are representative of the high choral literature this magazine provides. For those who plan and perform holiday or winter themed concerts, the December/January issue each year has excellent choral pieces about Christmas, Hanukkah, winter, and concepts such as peace and unity, with fully repro- ducible lyrics sheets and CD accompaniment tracks.
“Activate!” provides lessons which use technological tools available to most teachers. Many teachers are being asked to integrate and reinforce computer skills, both for the teacher and the student, into their lessons, which can sometimes be a challenge for elementary music teachers. In the August/ September 2010 issue, Charlene Heldt has provided a mini-unit on Vivaldi, particularly his life, “Autumn” from The Four Seasons, and the Baroque period. Geared toward grades 4-6, this unit opens with a Web- Visit, complete with handout, for the students to complete. Heldt provides several adaptations for the Web- Visit depending on technological availability for each classroom. In addition to the WebVisit, students listen to and learn to play an instrumental excerpt from “Autumn”. Another WebVisit, provided in the February/ March 2010 issue by Artie Almeida, helps students to learn about the Benjamin Franklin and his invention, the glass armonica. (Author’s note: Check out the youtube video of William Zeitler playing “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy” from The Nutcracker on the glass armonica; your students will love it.) Still not convinced? Speaking of computer and technology skills, I have mentioned the CD several times but have not touched on one of its most useful aspects; it is a mixed-media disc. When inserted into a computer, the disc will open to reveal several PDF files that are all fully reproducible for the classroom. Many of the song scores, lyrics, individual instrument parts, visuals, or listening worksheets mentioned in the les- son are available; also included are clear, concise teacher-assessment and student-evaluation rubrics. The CD for the most recent issue (February/March 2011) even includes a PowerPoint presentation for a lesson by Artie Almeida based on the book “Build a Burrito” by Denise Vega.
As budgets shrink and resources become scarce, our desire to bring our students a quality education never wavers. “Activate!” understands this and has responded with an excellent product offered at a low cost. The mission statement for this dynamic publication declares, “We believe that music and movement are essential tools for learning and students achievement. It is our goal to resent quality content that is de- velopmentally appropriate, practical, and educationally sound. We strive to provide you with enjoyable op- portunities to engage students in active learning.” Look through one issue, and you will know that they be- lieve in this mission wholeheartedly. “Activate!” magazine has found a place on my “necessity” list and is a resource no elementary music teacher should be without. Of course, now I need something in which to carry my issues of “Activate!”. Anyone know where I can get a free tote bag?
To see sample pages, hear song examples, or subscribe to Activate! visit
www.activatemagazine.com (Click on classroom, then education subscriptions, then scroll down), call 1-800-444-1144, ext. 1, or email
service@lorenz.com.
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