Escape the Music Room (Puzzled Playground) – An Unlock the Box Activity Set

The activities included in this Escape the Music Room (aka Breakout or Unlock the Box) set are highly engaging and a great way to utilize critical thinking (logic) and music review musical knowledge. It’s an exciting way to review at the beginning of the year, after a unit, during Music in Our Schools Month or at the end of the year! This set is designed so that students work together in four separate teams trying to solve all of the puzzles/clues however you could provide a complete set of activities to each group. The mission for this set asks students to help unlock the doors in time for recess. A PPT is included with video links for the mission(you need access to either YouTube or SafeShare) OR you can use the paper copies. Each activity solved (four are included) reveals a combination lock code. Hint cards (with rhyming clues) are included for you to help coach/guide your students to success as well as a tracking sheet.

You can determine how many minutes your students have to accomplish the tasks for this mission (based on how long you meet with your class). The mission should be completed anywhere from 30-45 minutes (depending on the age/skill level of your students). I have added 30 and 40 minute countdown timers (as PPT Slideshow) as well as Google Links. To access everything in this file you will need the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, PowerPoint and a Google account. The musical skills students will need to know for this version of “Escape the Music Room” include: identifying the number of syllables for easy summer-themed words (1,2,and 3 syllables) and recognizing/identifying mi, so and la (both in hand signs AND pitch on a moveable do staff – specifically the key of G. If using this with your first graders you might want to wait until the end of the year for this type of activity as it was designed as an end of the year activity for my 1st graders and/or as a beginning (or really anytime of the year) for my 2nd graders.

Specific skills addressed in this set include:

♬ identifying so, mi, la on movable do staff and hand signs

♬ identifying number of syllables in summer themed words (using ta/ti-ti)

♬ word search

Included:

✔ specific detailed list/pictures of materials needed

✔ step-by-step prep work (such as codes to set on your locks, recess pictures to place in lockbox, circling certain letters & a word to reveal clue via UV flashlight, etc.)

✔ step-by-step directions (with pictures) of how to play

✔ PPT Presentation with video links (YouTube & SafeShare) for The Mission

✔ PPT Presentation with Google links for 40 and 30 minute counters (with audio)

✔ PPT Slideshow (plays automatically when clicked on) for 40 minute countdown timer

✔ PPT Slideshow (plays automatically when clicked on) for 30 minute countdown timer

✔ Activity 1 (students figure out how many syllables are in summer themed words)

✔ Activity 2 (word search)

✔ Activity 3 (Recognizing via hand sign and note on movable do staff & Shading So-Mi-La via ) – four different versions (one for each group is included)

✔ Activity 4 (Puzzle – 3 versions: rectangles; 4 and 6 piece jigsaw)

✔ hint cards with printed rhyming clues to help your students; different styles and format available

✔ 1 sign (detailing the mission)

✔ 1 note (left by “the custodian”)

✔ 1 sign (filled with clues left by “the custodian”)

✔ answers for all the worksheets

✔ signs that say “We Escaped the Music Room” (great for a photo op!)

✔ color and B&W options

✔ brag tags (in color and B&W) for those who use this type of reward system

✔ 2 versions (1-circle the facial expressions; 1-fill in answers) of a reflection

You can always do this activity without the actual locks -simply have your students show their “code answers” on the worksheets to you before handing them the next task (worksheet). If you want…you can purchase the following additional items (I purchased all of mine from Amazon and each ranged anywhere from $5-10.):

1-toolbox or tacklebox (that locks can be attached to)

1-hasp lock (all of the other locks will be attached to this)

1-5 letter “word” lock

1-4 digit number lock

1-directional lock

1-padlock with key

1-UV (ultraviolet) marker to circle letters

1-UV (ultraviolet) flashlight

Camera or phone (optional) – to take photos

This is PACKED with items and information to help you be successful and to “lighten your load.”