ADDM lesson presentation - "Texan Talk" to class management through the rain stick

The linked lesson sets were an excellent opportunity to “unfurl ideas” (fiddlehead link .. ;-)) and feel empowered in the process of sharing. I saw some really neat activities ranging from Readers Theatre (speaking like a Texan) to games the incorporate geography and music. I also believe that the process of presenting our lessons was an artistic expression of how important we feel about our lessons, and how we want to share and spread those creative thoughts. I know I was inspired to share my Australian Aborigine dot painting idea because I knew it was different and catchy. To add to that, I know Stephanie has a rain stick with Aborigine dot designs on it that would serve as a good anticipatory set, and a good tool to use for classroom management when you want to obtain students’ attention. The rainstick is tilted, allowing the beads to fall, and creating an atmospheric effect like the sound of rainfall (the intensity varies with the angle). I think the Aborigine belief was that if it was played it could bring about rainstorms. It can be used for sound effects or as a percussion instrument. This is a creative classroom management technique that is a lot more authentic then flashing the lights, clapping, or screaming! Thanks,