Failure

I Am a Failure …

As a typical “Type A” music educator, and one who has ADHD to boot, these are words that have been DEVASTATING to me in the not so far away past. And because I am a human being, sometimes I am going to fail. How I choose to respond to that failure makes all the difference…
Read More
found sound

Making It Work: Facilitating Drum Circles for Healing with Children

Our students need human connection now more than ever. K Michelle Lewis explores how drum circles can help meet children’s social and emotional needs.
Read More
masked musician

Lesson: The Masked Musician Project

Kris developed this project with her band class based on the show "The Masked Singer." This has wonderful possibilities for upper elementary and can be used with a wide variety of songs or projects you may already be working on.
Read More
You Matter

Lesson: You Matter

In this time of uncertainty, our students may feel a bit lost in the shuffle of adults who are preoccupied with many concerns and worries. Matthew Stensrud created this touching lesson to remind each and every child that they are important.
Read More
Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

Roger and Michelle offer their best wishes to you, our Teaching With Orff family, and each share their personal focus for finding meaning and connection this Thanksgiving season. We are thankful for you and the beautiful work you do in the world!
Read More

Online Workshops

Teaching With Orff has partnered with some amazing educators to bring you online workshops designed to provide new ideas for lessons and enhance your teaching, whether your classroom is in person or virtual.
Read More
diwali

Lesson: Diwali Dance

Manju Durairaj shares a history of Diwali along with a music and movement lesson to commemorate this festival of lights.
Read More

Lesson: Go to Bed, Tom!

From their book, Percussive Play, Roger Sams and Michael Vasquez share this fun lesson that is sure to delight your students as they play with excuses and reasons for not going to bed!
Read More
permission

Making It Work: Permission Slip

Do you struggle with granting yourself grace? LeslieAnne Bird gives us the permission slips we all need right now.
Read More
alien cows

Lesson: Aliens and Cows and Questions – Oh My!

LeslieAnne Bird shares ways to add silly fun to your music classroom while experimenting with vocal improvisation and musical questions and answers.
Read More

You Are Not Alone

In her open letter to music teachers, Meg Tietz offers words of reassurance and solidarity with her reminder that you are not alone.
Read More

Lesson: Body Percussion

Ollie Tunmer has some fun ideas using body percussion that can be used for virtual or in person learning.
Read More