2nd grade Snowman Rhythm Group Project

Second Grade students are creating individual 4 beat rhythm patterns, and then working in a group to create a composition. The final step will be performing their group rhythm composition on instruments for their class. This is one of those times that I am assessing their knowledge without them really being aware of it...they think it's just a fun group project!

Music that Helps to Tell a Story

Music that helps to tell a story

One of my favorite units to teach is how music can help to tell a story!  I use "The Snowman" video with Kindergarten kids, and "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" and other clips in Fantasia 2000 with the First Graders.
As in most of my units I go even deeper with the Second Graders.


"Peter and the Wolf" uses orchestral instruments and musical themes to help tell the story.

"Where the Wild Things Are" is enhanced with underlying music from Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, and then the same music is heard in "The Firebird" in Fantasia 2000.
"The Three Billy Goats Gruff" is enhanced with classroom instruments.

At the end of the unit, my Second Graders fill out an evaluation on a Google Form. The last question gives them a chance to give me their thoughts on the unit overall. Here are a few of their responses:

"I liked how we got to watch and read the story of Peter and the Wolf"

"I think it was pretty fun! Next year, the second graders will love it! I promise!"

"It was amazing"

"I think this was my favorite unit."

First Graders enjoyed "The Sorcerer's Apprentice"

and other stories on Fantasia 2000.

Soon the Kindergarten Kids will experience "The Snowman" video!