My store, Newtonlab specializes in music lesson resources and school assemblies / presentations. And, in case you’re wondering, I named my store Newtonlab because I had a black Labrador called Newton who would sit at my feet when I was working at home.
My store, Newtonlab specializes in music lesson resources and school assemblies / presentations. And, in case you’re wondering, I named my store Newtonlab because I had a black Labrador called Newton who would sit at my feet when I was working at home.
Summer Solstice
Assembly/Presentation
21st June 2021
Key Stage 2
Have you ever wondered why the days are so long in the summer and so short in the winter? The length changes throughout the year. Around June 20th or 21st, we experience what’s known as ‘The Summer Solstice’, which is the longest day of the year.
People from many cultures have held summer solstice celebrations for thousands of years. Summer is a time to celebrate renewal, life, fertility and the potential for a good harvest. It’s been celebrated with outdoor feasts, festivals, singing, dancing, and bonfires.
This age-appropriate assembly aims to;
• Explain the science behind our longest day
• Present a number of traditions and customs surrounding the summer solstice.
Comprising of a;
• 26-slide Power-Point presentation
• Detailed script
• Summer-related prayer.
This informative pack will save you hours of preparation time, simply download and go!
Check out my shop for more assemblies from Newtonlab.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
Terms of use - These resources are solely for use in school. They may not be shared with third parties or used commercially.
Listening and Responding to Music
Mars-the Bringer of War
Suitable for pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2.
Two listening and responding to music activities, that encourage pupils to focus, listen and respond.
They are ideal as starter activities or stand-alone sessions.
Can be delivered to a small group of pupils, or as many as you have.
You do not have to have a musical background to deliver them.
These activities focus on Listening, (National Curriculum for Music 2013). In addition this unit will aid the development of a range of wider skills including focus, language, imagination, creativity and confidence.
This resource includes detailed step by step delivery instructions, a recording of Mars-the Bringer of War, numerous examples of pupils’ responses, a selection of additional information to choose from, a video clip link to a performance, a range of discussion topics and a set of related images presented through PowerPoint.
If you enjoyed this resource, go check out my shop for more music lessons and activities from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
Listening and Responding
Canon in D major – Pachelbel’s Canon
Suitable for pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2.
Two listening and responding to music activities, that encourage pupils to focus, listen and respond.
They are ideal as starter activities or stand-alone sessions.
Can be delivered to a small group of pupils, or as many as you have.
You do not have to have a musical background to deliver them.
These activities focus on Listening, (National Curriculum for Music 2013). In addition this unit will aid the development of a range of wider skills including focus, language, imagination, creativity and confidence.
This resource includes detailed step by step delivery instructions, a recording of Pachelbel’s Canon, numerous examples of pupils’ responses, a selection of additional information to choose from, a video clip link to a performance, a range of discussion topics and a set of related images presented through PowerPoint.
If you enjoyed this resource, go check out my shop for more music lessons from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
Musical Games for All Year Round
Ten All-Year-Round Musical Games
Reception and Key Stage 1
No musical background needed!
These creative, fun, practical activities will get your students excited about music!
Simple to organise and extremely effective, these musical games will delight your children and support their learning in numerous ways.
Children will have opportunities to;
• Be creative
• Develop their teamworking skills
• Build confidence
• Improve listening skills
• Follow simple instructions
• Improvise
• Perform
• Listen and respond to a variety of musical sounds
• Perform individually, in pairs and in larger groups
• Recognise a range of percussion instruments
This resource includes;
• Ten clear and concise activity plans with learning objectives
• Step-by-step instructions
• Sets of questions, in each activity for your support
Perfect for;
• Lesson starters
• Brain breaks
• Lesson finishers
• Supply work
A small range of percussion instruments is required for some of the activities, but these are not prescriptive, simply use what you have!
If you enjoyed Musical Games for All Year Round why not take a look at the following units for Reception and Key Stage 1 children -
Identifying Percussion Instruments By Sound and Sight Five, easy-to-follow, fun music lessons based around percussion instruments.
Pupils learn to recognise a range of 12 percussion instruments by sight and sound. Castanets, Chime bar, Cymbal(s), Guiro, Maracas, Triangle, Bell, Cabasa, Claves, Drum, Tambourine and Woodblock.
The instruments are not prescriptive, simply use whatever percussion instruments you have and follow the lessons plans.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/identifying-percussion-instruments-by-sound-and-sight-reception-and-key-stage-1-11256968
Controlling Sounds Using Percussion Instruments Six, easy-to-follow, practical music lessons based around exploring and creating sounds through play and responding to simple musical directions.
Minimal resources required; a range of percussion instruments; simply use whatever instruments you have.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/controlling-sounds-using-percussion-instruments-reception-and-key-stage-1-12848223
Arctic-Themed Music Unit Support your pupils with learning about the Arctic in a fun, engaging and practical way.
Simple to put together and extremely effective, children learn Arctic facts by rote, using the musical form, call and response.
There are at least six music lessons in this unit but depending on the age and ability of your pupils, you may choose to deliver them in smaller chunks.
Or save money and buy the bundle!
Spring and Summer-Themed Music Activities
Eight Activities Based Around Plants, Flowers and Growing
Reception and Key Stage 1
No musical background needed!
These creative, fun, practical activities will get your pupils excited about music!
Simple to organise and extremely effective, these spring and summer-themed musical activities will support your children in developing their general knowledge and understanding around plants, flowers and growing.
Pupils will have opportunities to;
• Be creative
• Develop their teamworking skills
• Develop their knowledge around plants, flowers and growing
• Improvise
• Follow simple instructions
• Listen and respond to a variety of musical sounds
• Perform individually, in pairs and in larger groups
• Recognise a range of percussion instruments
This pack includes;
• Clear and concise activity plans with learning objectives
• Step-by-step instructions
• Sets of questions, in each activity for your support
• A printable set of colourful flower pictures
• Colourful theme-related pictures presented through PowerPoint
• A list of suggested theme-related pieces of music you may choose to listen to with your pupils
Perfect for;
• Lesson starters
• Brain breaks
• Lesson finishers
•Supply work
A small range of percussion instruments is required for some of the activities, but these are not prescriptive; tambourines and/or rain sticks and/or bells, tambours, woodblock and beater and/or claves and/or castanets, drums. Simply use what you have!
If you enjoyed Spring and Summer-Themed Music Activities why not take a look at these units for Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils.
Controlling Sounds Using Percussion Instruments
Comprising of six, easy-to-follow, practical music lessons based around exploring and creating sounds through play and responding to simple musical directions.
Minimal resources required; a range of percussion instruments; simply use what you have.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/controlling-sounds-using-percussion-instruments-reception-and-key-stage-1-12848223
Identifying Percussion Instruments by Sound & Sight
Comprising of five, easy-to-follow, fun music lessons based around percussion instruments.
Pupils learn to recognise a range of 12 percussion instruments by sight and sound. Castanets, Chime bar, Cymbal(s), Guiro, Maracas, Triangle, Bell, Cabasa, Claves, Drum, Tambourine and Woodblock.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/identifying-percussion-instruments-by-sound-and-sight-reception-and-key-stage-1-11256968
Preparing to Sing
Tongue Twisters
Suitable for pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2.
The aim of these fun-filled activities is to develop children’s listening skills and improve alliteration, pronunciation, diction and vocal technique. Pupils learn why it is important to warm-up voices and one technique for doing so.
It can be delivered to one pupil or as many as you have.
This resource will support your delivery of the National Curriculum for Music. The musical activities in this pack focus on Listening and preparing to sing, (National Curriculum for Music 2013). In addition the activities aid the development of a range of wider skills including focus and performance.
You do not have to have a musical background to deliver this.
This resource is in two parts. Part one lists tips for beginners and part two has forty different examples of tongue twisters. The pack includes a colourful power point slide for each tongue twister.
If you enjoyed this resource go check out my shop for more music activities from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
Mother Teresa
Presentation/Assembly
Key Stages 3 to 5
Born in Macedonia, August 1910, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu became one of the most famous humanitarians ever known; Mother Teresa. Saint Teresa of Calcutta was a Roman Catholic nun who devoted her life to serving the poor and destitute around the world.
Much has been written about the life and legacy of this extraordinary woman. Her example offers up one powerful, yet simple message to anyone who truly seeks to make an impact on the world – There is nothing that cannot be achieved if you have the right focus, passion and determination to make it happen.
This age-appropriate assembly aims to;
• Explore Mother’s Teresa’s life and legacy
• Ask students to think big
• Encourage reflection using several her inspirational quotes
Comprising of a:
• 51-slide PowerPoint presentation including 21 slides containing inspirational quotes from Mother Teresa
• Detailed script
• Music accompaniment
• Relevant prayer
This presentation can be used as a stand-alone assembly and/or as part of your Women’s History Month project.
Save hours of preparation time, simply download and go!
If you enjoyed this resource, go check out my shop for more assemblies from Newtonlab.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
Terms of use - These resources are solely for use in school. They may not be shared with third parties or used commercially.
Orchestral Instruments
Word searches
Suitable for Upper Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 students.
A set of four word searches covering a range of instruments that belong within the four sections or families of the orchestra; String, Brass, Woodwind and Percussion.
These fun activities reinforce the names of a number of instruments and the families or orchestral sections they belong to. Words are placed forwards, backwards, up, down and diagonally.
An answer sheet for each word search is included.
Great for starter activities, early or fast finishers, homework, and supply work.
Product has been set out so you can print back-to-back in order to save trees and printing budgets!
These resources will support your delivery of the National Curriculum for Music.
If you enjoyed this resource go check out my shop for more music lessons from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
Composers Quiz and Word Search
Suitable for Key Stage 4 students.
How secure are your GCSE students with their knowledge of composers?
These activities reinforce the names of a range of composers, the countries they come from and the musical periods they belong to.
This resource is in two parts. Part one requires students find the composers hidden in the word search and link him to his country also hidden in the word search. Words are placed forwards, backwards, up, down and diagonally. Part two asks them to place each composer into their correct music period(s); educational and fun!
It will support your delivery of the GCSE Music syllabus.
Great for a lesson, a homework task or as supply work.
Product has been set out so you can print back-to-back in order to save trees and printing budgets!
This pack includes;
• A composer and their country word search and quiz
• A composer and their musical period(s) quiz
• All answer keys
If you enjoyed this resource go check out my shop for more music lessons from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
Terms of Use
These resources are solely for use in school. They may not be shared with third parties or used commercially.
Musical Instruments
Quiz and Word Search
Suitable for Key Stage 4 students.
How secure are your GCSE students with their knowledge of instruments and instrumental families?
These activities reinforce the names of a range of instruments and the families/sections they belong to.
This resource is in two parts. Part one requires students to answer 28 musical questions. Part two asks them to find their answers hidden in the word search; educational and fun! Words are placed forwards, backwards, up, down and diagonally.
The accompanying 82-slide PowerPoint presentation is organized in order to work through the questions, answers and word search answers together, as part of your lesson.
It will support your delivery of the GCSE Music syllabus.
Great for a lesson, a homework task or as supply work.
Product has been set out so you can print back-to-back in order to save trees and printing budgets!
This pack includes;
• a set of 28 questions
• an answer worksheet and an answer sheet for teachers
• a word search and a completed word search for teachers
• a power-point presentation with questions, answers and word search answers
If you enjoyed this resource go check out my shop for more music lessons from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
Terms of Use These resources are solely for use in school. They may not be shared with third parties or used commercially.
Jambo!
(Hello)
African Percussion Performance Piece
Suitable for pupils in Key Stage 2.
Jambo! is Swahili for hello. Learn how to perform an original, dramatic, exciting African-style piece called Jambo!, using one voice and a small range of untuned percussion instruments; Drums, Woodblocks, Tambourines, Body Percussion and Maracas.
Pupils also learn about African music, the percussion family of instruments, body percussion and the musical terms tempo and graphic notation.
Easy to put together and extremely effective, Jambo! can be completed in two or three lessons.
It can be delivered to a small group of six pupils, or as many as you have.
This resource will support your delivery of the National Curriculum for Music. The musical activities in this pack focus on Listening and Playing (National Curriculum for Music 2013). In addition it will aid the development of a range of wider skills including focus, team-work, and confidence.
You do not have to have a musical background to deliver this.
This resource includes;
• Detailed, easy to follow, step by step instructions
• Extension ideas
• Colourful graphic score
• A complete printable score
• A complete score presented through PowerPoint.
If you enjoyed this resource go check out my shop for more music lessons and performance pieces from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
Music Theory
**Musical Instruments and their Families **
Quiz 1 and Quiz 2
Key Stages 3 and 4
How secure are your students with their knowledge of musical instruments and families? Do they know what a pan flute looks like? Do they know what family of instruments it belongs to?
Each of these fun but challenging picture quizzes, presented through PowerPoint, shows 30 instruments. Students are required to specifically identify the instrument and the family that it belongs to.
All answers are included.
Great for assessment, reviews, supply work, starter and finisher tasks.
No student movement required.
You do not have to have a musical background to deliver this.
The musical activities in this pack will support your delivery of the National Curriculum for Music.
This resource includes;
• Two quizzes each with 30 questions presented through PowerPoint
• Two sets of answers presented through PowerPoint
• A worksheet for students to complete
• An answer sheet for teachers saved in word format so you can easily add or change instruments to suit your students.
Quiz 1 - Instrument List
Tambourine, Trumpet, Bassoon, Double Bass, Harp, Flute, Tuba, Xylophone, Violin, Clarinet, Saxophone, Snare Drum, Acoustic Guitar, Oboe, Cello, Maracas, Banjo, Recorder, Lute, French Horn. Bagpipes, Trombone, Cymbals, Pan Flute, Piano, Electric Guitar, Bongo Drums, Gong, Ukulele, Didgeridoo.
Quiz 2 - Instrument List
Glockenspiel, Bassoon, Metal chimes, Agogo, Drum Kit, Timpani, Accordion, Castanets, Bugle, Cabasa, Kantele, Piccolo, Grand Piano, Table, Violin, Alpine Horn, Harmonica, Electric Drum Kit, Cello, Singing Bowl, Bells, Rain Stick, Flute, Mandolin, Gamelan, Ocarina, Trombone, Saxophone, Bass Guitar, Kazoo.
If you enjoyed this resource go check out my shop for more music lessons from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
Terms of Use These resources are solely for use in school. They may not be shared with third parties or used commercially.
Garden of Shadows
Percussion Performance Piece
Suitable for Upper Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 pupils.
Learn how to perform an original enchanting, mysterious piece called Garden of Shadows, using only triangles and glockenspiels.
Pupils also learn about the percussion family of instruments, tuned and untuned instruments and a range of musical terms and signs.
Simple to put together and extremely effective, Garden of Shadows can be completed in three or four lessons.
It can be delivered to a group of four pupils, or as many as you have.
This resource will support your delivery of the National Curriculum for Music. The musical activities in this pack focus on Listening and Playing (National Curriculum for Music 2013). In addition pupils will develop a range of wider skills including focus, co-ordination, team-work, and confidence.
You do not have to have a musical background to deliver this.
This resource includes;
• Detailed step-by step instructions
• Extension ideas
• A musical terms and signs glossary
• Colourful graphic score
• A printable graphic and lettered score
• A printable traditional music score
• An MP3 file recording of the piece, for your support.
If you enjoyed this resource go check out my shop for more music lessons and performance pieces from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
**Dhoruba **
(Storm)
African Percussion Performance Piece
Suitable for pupils in Key Stage 2.
Dhoruba is African for storm. Learn how to perform an original, dramatic, exciting African-style piece called Dhoruba, using a small range of untuned percussion instruments; Cymbals, Drums, Maracas, Tambourines, Woodblocks and/or Claves.
Pupils also learn about African music, the percussion family of instruments and the musical terms tempo and graphic notation.
Easy to put together and extremely effective, Dhoruba can be completed in two or three lessons.
It can be delivered to a small group of six pupils or as many as you have.
This resource will support your delivery of the National Curriculum for Music. The musical activities in this pack focus on Listening and Playing (National Curriculum for Music 2013). In addition it will aid the development of a range of wider skills including focus, team-work and confidence.
You do not have to have a musical background to deliver this.
This resource includes;
• Detailed, easy to follow, step by step instructions
• Extension ideas
• Colourful graphic score
• A complete printable music score
• A music score presented through PowerPoint.
If you enjoyed this resource go check out my shop for more music lessons and performance pieces from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
The Piano – Exploring and Experimenting
4 Music Lessons
Key Stage 1 and Lower Key Stage 2
You do not have to have a musical background to deliver this unit.
The piano can be a great teaching tool. Even if you can’t play it, there are numerous lessons to be learned from this amazing, underrated instrument. So go find this abandoned piece of furniture, get out your polish and duster and let’s learn!
In this fun practical-based unit, pupils learn;
• How a piano works
• That the piano can make lots of different sounds
• How a piano is dismantled
• What the inside of a piano looks like
• The names of parts of the inside of a piano
This unit includes;
• Clear and concise detailed lesson plans
• A range of practical exercises
• Numerous hints, tips and advice
• A question-and-answer plenary presented as a 30-slide PowerPoint quiz with answers
• Suggestions for further learning
If you enjoyed this resource, go check out my shop for more music lessons from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
Terms of use - These resources are solely for use in school or with home-schooling. They may not be shared with third parties or used commercially.
Two Native American Performance Pieces
Tatanka – (Buffalo) and Wimaheliyaye – (Sunset)
Key Stage 2
Two very different pieces; simple to put together and extremely effective, each original composition can be completed in two or three lessons.
Tatanka
Instruments - Drums and/or Tambours, Guiros, Maracas, Woodblocks and/or Claves
Musicians - 5 or 5 groups
Tatanka is Native American for Buffalo. Teach you pupils to perform an original, powerful, five-part, Native American-style composition using a small range of untuned percussion instruments and voices.
Wimaheliyaye
Instruments - Flute or an electric keyboard using the ‘Flute voice’
Musicians - 1 or 1 group
Wimaheliyaye, is a Lakota word that means Sunset. Teach your pupils to perform an original, haunting Native American-style composition using an electric keyboard.
Pupils learn a little history of Native American music, about the percussion family of instruments, graphic and lettered notation and a range of musical terms and signs.
This resource will support your delivery of the National Curriculum for Music. The musical activities in this pack focus on Listening and Playing (National Curriculum for Music 2013) however the activities aid the development of a range of wider skills including focus, team-work, and performance.
This pack includes;
• Detailed step-by-step instructions
• Information about percussion instruments and how to play them
• A musical terms and signs glossary
• Printable graphic, lettered and traditional music scores
• Graphic, lettered and traditional music scores presented through PowerPoint
• An MP3 file recording of Wimaheliyaye, for your support.
• Extension ideas.
If you enjoyed this resource go check out my shop for more music lessons and performance pieces from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab
Terms of Use - These resources are solely for use in school. They may not be shared with third parties or used commercially.
Sound and Silence – Graphic Score
One Unit of Four Music Lessons .
Suitable for Upper Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 students.
Can we hear silence? Is there such a thing as silence? What is the difference between sound and silence? What’s the difference between listening and hearing?
This unit asks students to consider and discuss these questions. Over four lessons they are given a variety of opportunities to listen to and record the sounds they hear using graphic score.
You do not have to have a musical background to deliver it.
It can be delivered to a small group of pupils, or as many as you have.
This resource will support your delivery of the National Curriculum for Music. The musical activities in this resource focus on Listening (National Curriculum for Music 2013). In addition the activities aid the development of a range of wider skills including focus, reasoning, discussion and presentation.
This pack includes four, progressive, detailed, easy to follow, fun music lessons, a printable worksheet, an example of a completed graphic score and a selection of extension ideas.
If you enjoyed this resource, go check out my shop for more music lessons from Newtonlab!
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Newtonlab