Elementary A
Medieval to Modern
(3rd - 5th Grade)
Elementary A: "Medieval to Modern" begins with nine engaging picture books (see Elementary A: Book Bundle) and a curated playlist. This course moves chronologically through music history, beginning with medieval musician Guido D'Arezzo and ending with Leonard Bernstein. Each month, learn about one musician, one fundamentals concept, and one instrument. In December, spend two weeks learning about the Christmas carol "In the Bleak Midwinter." Wrap up each month with an engaging activity (crafts, games, etc.). This curriculum provides an enriching musical experience for you and your students!
Booklist
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The First Notes: The Story of DO, RE, MI (Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton)
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Johann Sebastian Bach, Revised Edition (Mike Venezia)
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Mozart Finds a Melody (Stephen Costanza)
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Christina's Carol (Tomie dePaola)
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What Music!: The Fifty Year Friendship Between Beethoven and Nannette Streicher, Who Built His Pianos (Laurie Lawlor)
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Peter Tchaikovsky, Revised Edition (Mike Venezia)
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George Gershwin, Revised Edition (Mike Venezia)
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Mister and Lady Day: Billie Holiday and the Dog Who Loved Her (Amy Novesky)
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Leonard Bernstein, Revised Edition (Mike Venezia)
Scope & Sequence
The musicians covered in Elementary A represent various times and genres in history, including household names such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky, as well as other important musicians such as Guido D'Arezzo, Billie Holiday, and Leonard Bernstein. Fundamentals cover pitch notation on the grand staff. Discover instruments from a variety of instrumental families, and end each month with a game, a craft, or a musical activity. Enjoy exploring a rich tapestry of music with your child!
Curriculum Guide
The Curriculum Guide includes instructions on how to use the curriculum and access your digital resources, as well as the scope & sequence, booklist, playlist, and supplies list. Each month begins with a "Month-at-a-Glance" page, which shows the schedule for each of the four weeks in the Read-Fundamentals-Instrument-Activity cycle, including Books, Topics, and Playlist.
Lesson Notes
After each "Month-at-a-Glance" page, you will find detailed Notes for each week, including notes to parents, a script for each lesson, diagrams of fundamentals and instruments, and badges that indicate when to find pages in the Activity Pack.
In addition, the Notes section includes links and QR codes to the recordings on the playlist and to the internet-linked resources available on the Digital Resources dashboard.
Activity Pack
The Activity Pack provides engaging worksheets to enhance your child's learning experience. Each musician has a "Musician Fact File," with a portrait of the musician, space to write down important facts, and a map to label and color.
And more...
The Activity Pack contains additional worksheets such as "Fundamentals Focus," "Instrument Spotlight," and, when needed, "Hands-On Activity" sheets. Each month also includes four "Listening Pages" to be used with the guided listening assignments.
