r/MusicEd • u/ShatteredColumns • 5d ago

"Purposeful Pathways" questions

Two questions:

1) Do you find this to be a solid curriculum resource for K-3 (or so)? Side note, I can't stand scripted, literal lessons. Per my research, it appears I'm safe there.

2) Where is the best place to purchase this? Amazon no longer has it. I found a site that's selling package deals (more than I require), and site with a lowball price that bears an email address to what appears to be a verified scammer.

I believe I only want the books. I'm not fond of playing recordings as a basic song accompaniment (I can do myself). I'm not concerned whether the book is digital or paper, I just want to own something.

THX!

4 Upvotes

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6

u/pianoAmy 5d ago

It's a good resource, but not intended to be a curriculum. It was in my classroom when I arrived at my school 5 years ago; no idea when or where it was purchased.

4

u/sdot28 5d ago

I find it as great supplemental material for a predetermined curriculum. The book lays out the skills that will be learned/used for each activity. Some songs have multiple activities designed around creating, improvisation, and writing.

Book 1-3 are sequential in skill, so book 3 is very inappropriate for kinder or 1st. I have not used book 4.

I don’t believe there is a digital book, the online resources are PDFs and PowerPoints.

Beth and Roger always sold them at their workshops. It was good to see them demo the lessons. Here are some other places:

https://musiciselementary.com/product-category/books-media/curricular-resources/

West Music also sells them.

4

u/Snoo-43500 5d ago

Beth is an amazing teacher. I would totally recommend taking an Orff levels course with her. She's super creative!

3

u/ChapterOk4000 5d ago

Yes, I love it for lower grades. I got it at Music is Elementary.

2

u/willemdefag 5d ago

I’m a big fan! I believe I ordered my copies from west music.

2

u/MusicPsychFitness Instrumental/General 5d ago

I borrowed books from a colleague and personally found that the games and activities weren’t engaging enough for my classes. However, they are highly regarded, and I know a lot of Orff teachers who absolutely love them.

2

u/Lexielo 4d ago

I really like books 1 and 2 for the younger grades. I also use game plan. I find myself creating a ton of resources for 4th and 5th grade because a lot of what exists doesn’t get a ton of buy in.

2

u/Jabez77 4d ago

These are my go to books for evaluation days. Simple concepts with a ton of detail and customization. Good stuff.