Let's face it... we have a generation of gamers. Why fight it?!?
Using technology in the music classroom can sometimes be hit and miss. I feel like a lot of the things I've tried required a lot of time to set up, and that's time I just didn't have to spare. Enter Gimkit.
Gimkit is an online platform for teachers to create engaging games for our students. As a teacher, you create the content (or use content that other teachers have already created!), and Gimkit supplies the fun!
There are so many different game modes to choose from! I usually let my classes vote on which mode they want to play, and they happily get to it. Current favs are Snow Brawl, Fishtopia, and Trust No One!
The best part is you only have to create the content once, and it works with EVERY SINGLE GAME. Once I've created a kit, it's saved to my profile, so I can use it year after year with no extra set up!
I love using this tool to practice things that just need lots of repetition and practice, like note names, rhythm patterns, or even song lyrics while getting ready for programs. It's also really great for some of your behaviorally tough classes, because the kids that struggle are so engaged with what they are doing they don't have time to get in trouble.
I used https://www.qrcode-monkey.com/ to create a free QR code that students scan to get them to the login page, where they enter the game code and start playing. This also works well for subs because all I have to do is post the content and QR code, and they spend the rest of the time playing the game!
I've used this with my JH and HS choir classes as well to practice solfege hand signs and choral music vocabulary. It truly works with any age!
If you are interested in adding some gaming technology to your music classroom, take a look at Gimkit!
Check it out here! https://www.gimkit.com/
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