Your Name is a Song: Activities for Elementary Music

Hope you enjoy this back to school gift! I'd love to hear your feedback!

These activities are based on the book "Your Name is a Song," by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. This is a beautiful book about the meaning and musicality behind names- perfect for back to school activities in the music room. You can purchase the book on Amazon, or even better, at your local bookstore!

I created these activities for multiple teaching scenarios (remote, in person, singing/no singing, instruments/no instruments) and multiple grade levels (suggested grade levels are given for each activity).

Activities/Concepts Include:
*How Many Syllables?/Name Game

*Rhythm of Your Name

*Name Word Chain

*Musical Contour/Vocal Exploration

*Speech Piece/Rhythmic Ostinatos (Link to google slide visual is also included)

*Creating a Class Arrangement

For the class arrangement, there are 2 lesson plans included for different teaching scenarios:

1) Orff Arrangement with pentatonic melody, bass line/xylophone part, rhythmic ostinatos/unpitched percussion parts, and opportunity for student improvisation/solos.

2) Speech Piece Arrangement in Rondo Form (no singing or instruments needed).