Pedersen, Greta

Project: Working collaboratively with Greta, the class will compose a song or rap. The subject may be chosen by the teacher (integrating themes from a social studies or science unit) or the students. The six writing traits naturally come into play, as students incorporate facts, vocabulary, and other pertinent information about the chosen subject, and refine their work. Past songs include “Rockamania” (which described the characteristics of rocks); “Shake, Break and Blow” (about earthquakes, continental drift, and volcanoes); “Sadie, The Teacher's Pet” (a song about the class mascot), and an "oral book report" about Harry Potter. The class will record and keep a copy of the finished masterpiece.

Greta Pedersen is an award-winning songwriter, performer, and educator, who has performed nationally in concerts and schools, radio and television. She has written songs with and for children for nearly twenty-five years. Greta is a mentor coach and teaching artist with Young Audiences, and is on the rosters for Arts Northwest's "Northwest On Tour" and Washington Arts Commission's AIE and Teacher Trainer Programs. Recently, she designed lesson plans for OPB's new website, Art Beat @ School. Several of her songs have been licensed for video soundtracks, and her Music Is Magic video has been broadcast on the Learning Channel.

Last updated:  November 2005