Darla Hanley's Music Room
Creative Teaching for Students of Today (& Tomorrow) PK-8
Today’s Teaching Strategy: Pound the Rock
(Play-Party Choreography with Instrument Improvisation)
Upper Elementary (3-4)
© 2025 Darla S. Hanley
This teaching strategy is all about connecting with others, moving and creating, and free instrument play. It goes with a 2025 track called “Horns Up, Head Down” by ovo Quack Jazz because of its compelling bass line and perfect tempo.
The track is available on multiple streaming audio platforms. (Like many of my teaching strategies, you should feel free to find other audio tracks to anchor the learning experience using music that works in your setting or new tracks to simply “mix it up.”)
Pedagogical Foundations
Progress is part of learning—and is something that takes time.
We all need to learn that applying ourselves with effort over time can pay off (lol). What’s the question? What can you do today that you couldn’t do a year ago? Every time I ask myself this question I see it as a cool opportunity for reflection—and self pride when I have an answer (lol)!
In today’s fast-paced world where we can get instant information with a few key strokes, or use tech to make things happen without actually being able to do the XY or Z ourselves, it can be challenging to get students to be dedicated to learning a skill.
In my view, we all need to balance our use of the amazing constantly emerging tech and tools with the skills and knowledge we personally own. So how can we motivate students to be invested in their own learning? Try these 5 things:
Make learning kid friendly. We know as teachers that the instruction we offer needs to be age- and developmentally-appropriate; but it also needs to be interesting, vibrant, and fun.
Celebrate progress! Make sure students see their own growth, development, skills, and knowledge—over time—and cheer it on.
Use a Call to Action or Challenge. Students will often rise to the occasion when asked to respond to a request to do something or to a challenge that has a time frame.
Set Realistic Goals. I believe everyone works a bit harder when trying to accomplish a goal. The “key” here is that the goal is attainable from the outset. Unrealistic goals are never met—and can stop motivation in its tracks.
Recognize Achievement! Use concerts, bulletin boards, newsletters, morning announcements, assemblies, etc. to publicly acknowledge student achievement in music. Let EVERYONE know how amazing that achievement is (lol)!
Today’s teaching strategy (“Pound the Rock”) includes engagement with a partner and then transferring that learning experience to a large group formation with instrument exploration! I hope you give it a try with your students. But first, let me remind you who I am:
Hi! I’m Darla, an experienced PK-12 music educator, college professor, and former Berklee College of Music Dean looking to connect with teachers, parents/caregivers, and others seeking to advance creative music making for today’s students—and their teachers. In Darla Hanley’s Music Room you will find teaching strategies, advice and teaching tips, playlists, and more.
Today we are going to perform a movement game with partners! It’s called “Pound the Rock”.
ProTIP: The phrase “pound the rock” means working consistently to improve over time—not expecting immediate results. It’s about progress that leads to significant achievements based on long-term commitment.
ProTIP Side Note: “Pound the Rock” has been the motto for the San Antonio Spurs basketball team as it embodies their philosophy of working daily to achieve success. Share this info with your students if it fits your teaching setting.
Invite students to form partners and teach the “Pound the Rock” movements. Video provided to make it easy!
Play the recording and lead students to perform “Pound the Rock” with the track.
ProTIP: Direct students to begin moving at 0.15 following a brief introduction.
Now that we know these moves, it’s time for you and your partner to create your own “Pound the Rock” movements by replacing the “hand swings” that happen on the words “make things happen”. You have 4 beats to fill with original movements. Try a few things and then with your partner decide which one you will perform.
ProTIP: Provide time for students to explore, create, and select their movement. Play the recording during this practice time for students to see how their movements fit the music!
Divide the class into 2 groups (i.e., performers and audience members). Invite the performers to perform for their audience—showing their original “Pound the Rock” moves. Switch roles and repeat.
ProTIP: Ask students to identify any pair(s) that had “Standout Moves” and ask them what made them stand out?
ProTIP: Have the pair(s) with the “Standout Moves” teach their version of “Pound the Rock” for everyone to perform with the track.
Materials/Set Up
Space for Movement
A Variety of Rhythm Instruments
🎵 ovo Quack Jazz "Horns Up, Head Down)” Link to Track on Spotify
Pound the Rock Moves
© 2025 Darla S. Hanley
Stand facing a partner with R hand in a fist and L hand palm up (as the “rock”)
R Fist: Tap partner’s L palm 2x
Switch so L hand is in a fist and R hand is palm up (as the “rock”)
L Fist: Tap partner’s R palm 2x
Repeat
Join hands with partner and swing arms R front L back 4x
Clap, clap, clap
Pound the Rock Chant
© 2025 Darla S. Hanley
Effort matters
yours and mine to
make things happen
takes some time!
Video
EXTEND the Learning:
Invite students to form a large circle and “Pound the Rock” in this formation.
Which did you like best: performing the “Pound the Rock” with a partner or in the circle? Why?
Select a small group of students to choose a rhythm instrument and go to the center of the circle. We will perform the “Pound the Rock” game as before, but now with instrumentalists! When it’s your turn to play, you will