Lesson: Haiku Inspired Creative Movement

Marjie Van Gunten — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 23:00:52 +0000

Using the beautiful and spare language of haiku as a model, students create movement compositions that become a “score” for instrumental pieces. This lesson is suggested for upper elementary or middle school students who are mature enough to grasp the intent of haiku: to express a big (and sometimes emotional) experience in a very few words. The lesson includes background information on traditional haiku and a follow-up opportunity to write haiku inspired by this aesthetic experience.

“I once did this lesson with a group of 7th grade students with no prior experience in creative movement. It was delightful to observe how eagerly they embraced the dance portion of the lesson, and how this experience with movement opened the door to composing truly beautiful music…another new experience for them. The haiku they wrote at the end of the activity are still treasured possessions!”

– Marjie Van Gunten

Download lesson here: Inspired by Haiku

The post Lesson: Haiku Inspired Creative Movement first appeared on Teaching With Orff.

Lesson: Leaf Children

Marjie Van Gunten — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:47:06 +0000

A beautiful children’s book and autumn leaves inspire creative movement and encourage children to make aesthetic choices about instrumental accompaniment to their leaf dance. A repeated refrain from the book provides an opportunity for vocal improvisation and the lesson also includes suggestions for creating an operetta. This lesson is suggested for children in grades K-1.

Download Marjie Van Gunten’s Leaf Children Lesson

The post Lesson: Leaf Children first appeared on Teaching With Orff.

Marjie Van Gunten - Teaching With Orff

Lesson: Haiku Inspired Creative Movement

Lesson: Leaf Children