(Part 1) The #1 Teaching Tool I Couldn’t Live Without
Recently Tim Topham, an innovative music educator, asked me this question: “What is the one tool you couldn’t live without?”
It’s a great question and it’s so hard to choose just one. However, if I really have to decide, here it is…
I always open the lesson with a FOCUS activity. It is a huge hit among my students and parents. (Yes, I invite parents to do the focus activity if they like to join.)
The focus activity is short, fun, spontaneous. Most importantly, it keeps students engaged and ready for learn. Imagine having the student’s full attention from the very beginning of the lesson. When student, parent and teacher are energized and focused, everyone is in the optimal learning mode. What I love best about the FOCUS activity is that it ensures everyone gets in the zone of learning and therefore contributes to a productive and effective lesson.
The activities are Dalcroze based and always require creative, quick and spontaneous reaction from the student.
My most popular activities
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Pass the Eggs
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Coke-Pepsi
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Up Down Upside Down
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Rolling the Ball
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Hip Hop
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Body beat
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Body Canon
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Solfege Canon
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A1B2
See it in Action
In today’s short 1-minute video, you will see “Up Down Upside Down” in action and you’ll know why FOCUS activity is great as an opening ice-breaker that grabs student’s attention right away.
Up Down Upside Down
- Student points up or down opposite to what they see but say the right direction.
- Concepts: Steady beat, opposite, up and down, note values
Get My Top Five Focus Activities Instant Download NOW
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If the student comes to lesson feeling tired and sleepy, these activities will surely wake them up and ensure they are in “ready to learn” mode.
Want to learn more about Dalcroze Eurhythmics? Please visit American Eurhythmics Society website. I regularly attend their workshop and always have an amazing experience each time.
Please make sure to leave me a comment or feedback if you would like to see other activities.
