There aren't many inexpensive melody instruments that are approachable and easy to learn in a whole-class setting during the elementary years. Boomwhackers are an exception. At under $40 per set, including mallets and carrying case, they are a bargain, especially since two students can play on each set. They are an inviting instrument--color-coded and labeled for ease of use--and they are designed to be hit! They are also sturdy, and should last for many years in my music classroom. There are numerous resources for fun and popular songs to be played on the Boomwhackers. Fifth and sixth graders are ready for the challenge of playing a new instrument, since they've spent 4th grade learning to play the recorder.
Playing instruments as a group is a team-building exercise, as students learn to be part of an ensemble. They play together, learn together, and work together to create a beautiful whole. They begin to understand the contribution they each make to the group. They learn to support their classmates through the learning process, realizing that mistakes are just a part of the process, and not a sign of failure. They also learn that practice is necessary, and that the final performance of a piece can be very satisfying. I would love to have a set of 12 Boomwhacker xylophones to share with my 5th and 6th grade students!
About my class
There aren't many inexpensive melody instruments that are approachable and easy to learn in a whole-class setting during the elementary years. Boomwhackers are an exception. At under $40 per set, including mallets and carrying case, they are a bargain, especially since two students can play on each set. They are an inviting instrument--color-coded and labeled for ease of use--and they are designed to be hit! They are also sturdy, and should last for many years in my music classroom. There are numerous resources for fun and popular songs to be played on the Boomwhackers. Fifth and sixth graders are ready for the challenge of playing a new instrument, since they've spent 4th grade learning to play the recorder.
Playing instruments as a group is a team-building exercise, as students learn to be part of an ensemble. They play together, learn together, and work together to create a beautiful whole. They begin to understand the contribution they each make to the group. They learn to support their classmates through the learning process, realizing that mistakes are just a part of the process, and not a sign of failure. They also learn that practice is necessary, and that the final performance of a piece can be very satisfying. I would love to have a set of 12 Boomwhacker xylophones to share with my 5th and 6th grade students!
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