Didgeridoo Down Under: Awesome Educational Entertainment!

1) We promote literacy and reading by displaying a 2-foot X 3-foot vocabulary list during our programs. Our K-5 list includes Aboriginal, Australia, Didgeridoo, Diversity, Environment, Equator, Eucalyptus, Extinct, Indigenous, Island, Mammal, Marsupial, Oceania, and X-Ray Art. Our 6th-12th list includes Aboriginal, Australia, Didgeridoo, Diversity, Environment, Eucalyptus, Genocide, Indigenous, Marsupial, Monotreme, Oceania, Onomatopoeia, Sacred, and X-Ray Art. During the show, the performer slowly says each word and has the audience repeat them back to him, which reinforces phonics, spelling and word recognition. This program helps students interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings; and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone. (R4)

2) We use maps to reinforce the meaning and application of certain words, such as Australia and Oceania. If a vocabulary word defines a tangible object used during the show (such as didgeridoo, eucalyptus or x-ray art), the performer points to that item while explaining the term. This program teaches students to integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally. (SL2)

3) For our grand finale, we use the didgeridoo to help tell an interactive story, in which audience members interpret and dramatically act out what they hear. This program encourages students to apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening. (L3)

1) We promote musical education by not only playing didgeridoos, but also talking about how the Aboriginal people have been using it (for various purposes) it for at least 1500 years. This program helps students understand global, interdisciplinary, and 21st century connections with music. (6.CR.1)

2) We teach about various styles of Aboriginal artwork, including ancient X-ray art and modern dot art, which is displayed on our didgeridoos and art panels. This program helps students understand the global, historical, societal, and cultural contexts of the visual arts. (7.CX.1)

3) We demonstrate how students can reduce, reuse and recycle by turning a cardboard tube or PVC pipe into a didgeridoo. We also play didgeridoos made from recycled blue jeans. This program encourages students to evaluate human behaviors in terms of how likely they are to ensure the ability to live sustainably on Earth. (EEn.2.8)

4) We display maps to show various locations such as Australia (inc. major cities and land features) and Oceania. This program uses geographic representations and terms to describe surroundings. (K.G.1)

5) We encourage socio-emotional learning by teaching about the importance of kindness, tolerance and respect for all people and cultures. We also emphasize anti-violence and anti-bullying with the help of a sign that reads “Bullying is not cool!” This program helps students understand healthy and effective interpersonal communication and relationships. (2.ICR.1)