As music educators prepare for the new school year, the challenge of learning students’ names and creating a vibrant classroom community looms large. Enter “Name Games” by renowned Orff-Schulwerk expert Doug Goodkin – a resource that not only solves this perennial challenge but also lays the foundation for a year of rich musical exploration.
Orff-Schulwerk Connection
Goodkin’s approach is deeply rooted in Orff-Schulwerk philosophy, emphasizing the integration of speech, movement, and instrumental play. This holistic method nurtures students’ innate musicality while fostering a sense of community. By incorporating both pitched and unpitched percussion instruments, “Name Games” exemplifies the Orff principle of elemental music-making, where simple ideas grow into complex musical experiences.
Key Features
- Versatile Activities: From the simple “Spelling Name” to the elaborate “Name Stories,” Goodkin offers a range of games adaptable for all ages and skill levels.
- Instrumental Integration:
- Unpitched Percussion: Activities like “Name Tag” and “Apple Picking” naturally incorporate rhythm sticks, shakers, and tambourines, developing rhythmic skills.
- Pitched Percussion: Xylophones, glockenspiels, and metallophones feature prominently, allowing for melodic exploration of names.
- Cross-Curricular Connections: Goodkin demonstrates how name games can enhance learning in subjects like language arts and social studies, showcasing music’s power to support holistic education.
- Community Building: By centering activities around students’ names, Goodkin’s approach fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect in the music classroom.
Implementing "Name Games" in Your Classroom
To bring these engaging activities to life, equip your music room with high-quality Orff instruments. West Music offers a comprehensive selection of Orff-approved instruments, including:
– Studio 49 Xylophones and Metallophones
– Remo Kids Make Music Packages
These instruments not only enhance the “Name Games” experience but also serve as the foundation for a year-round Orff-inspired curriculum.
Professional Development Opportunity
Deepen your understanding of Orff-Schulwerk and name games by exploring our Music ConstructED resources. Our “Introduction to Orff-Schulwerk” course offers practical insights into implementing these methodologies in your classroom.
“Name Games” by Doug Goodkin is more than just a collection of activities – it’s a gateway to creating a vibrant, musical community in your classroom. By incorporating Orff instruments and principles, you’ll not only learn names but also set the stage for a year of joyful music-making.
Ready to transform your music classroom? Explore our Orff instrument collection and bring “Name Games” to life! Shop now at westmusic.com or contact our education specialists for personalized recommendations.
Aaron Hansen is an experienced K-6 General Music educator, passionate about bringing music to life through the Orff Approach. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Aaron has completed comprehensive Orff Teacher Training, including three levels at the University of St. Thomas and an Orff Master Class. His dedication to the Orff method took him to the Summer International Course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria. Aaron also shares his expertise by teaching movement at various Orff Teacher Training Courses and conducting workshops for local Orff Chapters.
