Music

Colorful Genres in Harp Music from Paraguay

This lesson is divide in three segments that describe three colorful styles of Paraguayan music: the polca galopam the guarani and the polca paraguaya. For this lesson, students should be familiar with playing the guitar and the recorder. In additional to analyzing music styles, students will become acquainted with the geography of South America and develop an awareness of the historical roots of the harp in Paraguay. Note: Tracks will need to be purchased on Smithsonian Folkways to use as materials to complete lesson.

The Fandango in Son Jarocho: The Community Tradition and Improvisation of Son Jarocho

The fandango community celebration is central to the Son Jarocho tradition of Veracruz, Mexico. This lesson explores the core elements of the fandango: instruments, voice and verse, and rhythmic dance.

Son Jarocho from Veracruz: Exploration of Music and Dance Forms

In this lesson plan, students will explore the genre of music known as Son Jarocho from the state of Vercruz in Mexico. Students will listen to the music's beats, words and lyrics in order to get to know the culture of Mexico. Purchases of music from Smithsonian Folkways must be made in order to have music to play for students unless you are able to find the music samples online for free. A great way to expose students to some of the music found in Mexico that heavily influences cultures and values.

Grandma and Me at the Flea Teacher's Guide

This teacher's guide accompanies the book "Grandma and Me at the Flea" which can be found in the CLAS library. This document provides teacher's with background on the author and artist of the book, as well as different activities to help students relate the book to topics such as vocabulary, economics, reading comprehension, social studies, art, math, science and more.

A Closer Look at Mexico

This unit includes three lesson plans that are meant to expose students to the diverse population of Mexico comparing it to the United States, have students learn and sing traditional songs of Mexico including the nation anthem, have students memorize simple Spanish vocabulary, allows students to cook Mexican dishes by reading recipes and allow students to create a class mural in the style of traditional Mexican artists. Overall these three lesson plans are a great way to not only introduce but inform students about a variety of topics within Mexico.

Come Bien, Eat Right: Promoting Healthy Nutrition and Dual Language Development through Daily Singing in English and Spanish

This document contains an educational bilingual collection of 36 songs (19 each in English and Spanish) and activities promoting healthy nutrition for children and adults by award-winning author, educator and singer Jose-Luis Orozco. The songs provide the catalyst to ignite interest and enhance students learning about good nutrition and healthy habits while developing oral language and early literacy skills in English and Spanish.

Music of Chorti Indians of Guatemala

This unit contains a total of three lesson plans, which focus on marimba music of indigenous people to Guatemala. Activities include attentive, engaged listening experiences, which lay the groundwork for actually performing an arrangement of the listening example. Note: Music used in this lesson needs to be purchased on Smithsonian Folkways website.

Ritmo Embolada: An Introduction of Brazilian Rhythm

In this lesson plan, students will learn about the form of poetry and song known as "Embolada" which is a music form found in the northeastern region of Brazil. Embolada is heavily influenced by American rap music and African music, being of fast rhythm and often sung in the streets. Using the Embolada rhythm, students can improvise lyrics and sing solo. You will need to purchase the materials which includes audio from the Smithsonian Folkways website if you wish to utilize this lesson plan.

Danca! Movement and Music of Brazil

This lesson plan covers a variety of age groups ranging from 3rd grade to 12th grade and can be adapted to fit a variety of age groups. This lesson focuses on the Brazilian dances of Samba and Carimbo. Students will learn basic steps and dance along with the music while comparing the dances to our forms such as jazz and swing, found in the United States.You will need to purchase audio from Smithsonian Folkways or find audio on Youtube that will match the lesson.

Mariachi Mania

This unit provides three lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school grades regarding Mariachi Music. Students will explore this popular form of Music founded in Mexico. Students will get the opportunity to listen, dance and analyze Mariachi music while learning about Mexican culture in general.
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