3 Engaging Time Fillers for Middle and High School Choir Teachers 🕰️🎵
We've all faced that moment when there's still some time left at the end of the class, and you need an engaging activity to fill it. For middle and high school choir teachers, maintaining structure is key. Here are three free and effective time-filling ideas tailored for your choir classroom:
1. Powerball🤩
I keep a kickball in my classroom for this exact issue. Powerball can be a quick and energetic way to spark discussion and hear from several students in the ensemble. Pose a question to the class like, “What is your favorite ice cream flavor?” If a student wants to answer, they may raise their hand. My students love powerball and I usually have too many students to call on.
Some of my favorite Powerball questions include:
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
If you could take an all-expenses paid vacation, where would you travel?
What is your favorite song? Movie? Show? Artist?
2. MusicTheory.net 🎼
Incorporate music theory in a flash with the free resources on MusicTheory.net. From key signatures to note identification, the website offers lessons and exercises. With my middle schoolers, we utilize the note identification exercises frequently. Want to focus on learning the notes of the bass clef? Ledger lines? Grand staff? You set the perimeters.
How to use it in the classroom: Practice exercises with the entire class or break into partners where one student plays the role of the teacher, explaining the example and the other student provides the answers. But my favorite way to play is “Around the World style”. Choose two students who stand facing away from the projected example. On your count, students turn around to face the example and the first one to answer, wins and stays to face a new competitor. Consider offering a fun little prize for the most correct answers, etc.
Need a quick graded assignment? Have students pull out a scrap piece of paper and number from 1-10. Show 10 examples, ask the students to name the note, key signature, etc. and collect for a grade. Voila!
3. Conductor Swap🎶
Foster leadership skills by allowing students to take turns being the conductor. Students can lead the class in a vocal or physical warm-up or conduct a short part of a choir song. It not only empowers students but also provides them with a newfound appreciation for the conductor's role.
As a choir teacher, your last minutes can be as impactful as the rest of the class. What are your go-to time fillers for keeping your choir engaged and learning? Share your favorite ideas and let's make every moment count! 🎤
Happy Singing! 🎶
