Purposeful Pathways: Possibilities for Elementary and Middle School Music Classrooms, Book 4

Developed by Beth Ann Hepburn and Roger Sams, Purposeful Pathways: Possibilities for Elementary and Middle School Music Classrooms, Book 4 is a flexible collection of curricular materials designed to help students learn music by making music. Rooted in the philosophies of Orff Schulwerk, Kodály, and Eurhythmics, this resource integrates singing, literacy, movement, improvisation, composition, and instrumental ensemble into engaging classroom experiences for upper elementary and middle school students.

This developmentally sequenced collection offers music educators diverse pathways for presenting folk songs from a variety of cultures alongside original material. Rather than offering scripted, one-size-fits-all lessons, each pathway unfolds over time and allows teachers to select and shape activities based on their classroom needs, student readiness levels, and teaching style. This flexible design makes the resource valuable for both first-year and experienced educators alike.

Ideal For

• Elementary and middle school general music classrooms
• Orff-inspired teaching
• Kodály-inspired teaching
• Movement integration
• Active music making
• Rhythmic and melodic literacy development
• Improvisation and composition
• Instrumental ensemble experiences
• Flexible, differentiated instruction

Rhythm Content Covered

Simple Meter

• Quarter note
• Two eighth notes
• Half note
• Dotted half note
• Whole note
• Dotted quarter/eighth note pattern
• Eighth/dotted quarter note pattern
• Syncopation
• Sixteenth notes
• All possible combinations of eighth notes and sixteenth notes
• Quarter rest
• Eighth rest
• Half rest
• Whole rest

Compound Meter

• Dotted quarter note
• Three eighth notes
• Quarter/eighth note pattern
• Dotted half note
• Dotted quarter rest

Melody Content Covered

• Do and La Centered Diatonic Scales

Harmony Content Covered

• Functional Harmony (I-IV-V)

Includes

• Teacher resource book
• Digital download of printable manipulatives for composition activities

Optional Companion Visuals Available Separately

Electronic visuals are available as an additional purchase in both CD-ROM and digital download formats, including:

• SMART Notebook™
• Promethean ActivInspire™
• Microsoft® PowerPoint®

Sample Lessons Included

• Down the River
• Fishpole Song
• Proverb Play
• Drill, Ye Tarriers, Drill
• Ach De Lieber Augustin
• Boll Weevil
• Sourwood Mountain
• Clementine
• King Kong Kitchie
• Weevily Wheat
• I’m Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing
• Love Somebody
• Cape Cod Girls
• This Little Light of Mine
• This Train is Bound for Glory
• Tingalayo
• My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean
• Kokoleoko
• And many more!

Teachers Appreciate

• Flexible lesson pathways adaptable to different classrooms and grade levels
• Integration of singing, movement, instruments, literacy, and composition
• Developmentally sequenced concepts and activities
• Opportunities for differentiated instruction
• Folk songs and materials from diverse cultures
• Practical classroom-ready activities and manipulatives
• Multiple pedagogical approaches working together in one resource

What People Are Saying

Purposeful Pathways is endorsed by thought leaders in elementary and middle school general music. Here’s what the experts are saying:

From the wonderful musical selections, to the clearly written lesson sequences, to the electronic visuals, Purposeful Pathways 4 is a beautiful culmination to the Purposeful Pathways series. The activities included in this book encompass all modes of music making, including singing, rhythmic speaking, dancing and creative movement, and activities for Orff instruments, non-pitched percussion instruments, and recorder. Pieces are taught by rote and by reading, and students are led to improvise using the rhythmic and melodic concepts they have learned. It’s all here—presented in a logical, sequential fashion. Music educators will find this book extremely valuable, whether using it as a resource or as the foundation of their curriculum. Because flexibility is key to the intent of the book, teachers of all levels of experience from varied educational and specialized training backgrounds will find this book to be a “must-have” in their collection of educational resources.

Julie Scott, Ph.D., Professor of Practice in Music Education, Meadows School of the Arts, Southern Methodist University
Past President, American Orff-Schulwerk Association

The genius of the Purposeful Pathways series is its ability to speak to where teachers are in their expertise without patronizing. Each lesson considers the teacher’s need for flexibility and gives space for decisions that will support teaching and learning in any given situation. Lessons are applicable and structured while joyful and student-centered. Roger and BethAnn’s experience in the classroom, their enjoyment in exploring pedagogy, and skill in communication shines throughout. What an invaluable and timeless resource!

Lorelei Batislaong

Assistant Instructor, Music and Human Learning, Butler School of Music, The University of Texas at Austin
Past Region Representative, American Orff-Schulwerk Association
Chair, American Orff-Schulwerk Association Diversity Sub-Committee
Texas State Director, National Association for Music Education

Purposeful Pathways 4 is a must have resource for all general music educators, whether you are a first-year teacher, or a seasoned pro. Through play and exploration, students experience singing, saying, moving, playing, and so much more, utilizing quality materials that students love. I have been using Purposeful Pathways in my classroom for years, and I am delighted that the fourth book is finally here!

Joyce Stephansky

Elementary Music Educator, Fairfax County Public Schools
Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Music, George Mason University
Director, Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education Program, George Mason University
Past Chair, Post Level III Sub-Committee, American Orff Schulwerk Association