Ensemble Building Lesson Plan for 7th Grade Students

Topic: Ensemble Building

Objectives & Outcomes

• To create a comfortable and welcoming classroom environment where students can learn and communicate effectively.
• To learn how to effectively communicate with classmates through body and voice.

Materials

• Poster board and markers
• Index cards
• Pen and paper

Warm-up

• Ask students to take a few deep breaths and focus their attention on their body.
• Ask them to notice where they feel tension in their body and to gently release that tension.
• Then, have them draw a picture or write a sentence or two about something that makes them feel comfortable and secure.
• Have them share their drawings or ideas with a partner.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of ensemble building, explaining that it is about creating a sense of comfort and security in the classroom and among classmates.
• Share the handouts with the class, discussing them as a whole and answering any questions.
• Explain the importance of body and voice in communication, and demonstrate how to use these tools effectively.
• Have students practice using body and voice in different scenarios, such as giving a presentation or asking a question.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs to role play a challenging classroom or social situation.
• Have the teacher or a trained student facilitate the practice, providing feedback and guidance as needed.
• Encourage students to use body and voice in the scenarios, and highlight examples of effective communication.

Independent Practice

• Have students work in small groups to create a short skit or performance piece that demonstrates effective communication and comfort in a classroom or social situation.
• Encourage students to use body and voice in their performance, and to provide constructive feedback to each other as they work on their projects.

Closure

• Review the objectives for the lesson and have students share what they learned about creating comfort in the classroom and using body and voice and communication in a more effective way.

Assessment

• Observe students during the guided and independent practice activity, take notes of their improvement with body and voice and communication, and provide feedback to students at the end of the lesson.
• Have students reflect on what they learned during the lesson and what they could do to improve their ensemble building skills in the course.