During March (Music in our Schools Month), when we study a composer, students also become composers themselves. Here are the lessons I teach in 2nd grade:
Lesson 1
1. Demonstrate xylophone – which is which
- I play a pattern on xylophone, they sing back, then with hand signs
2. Pass out paper xylophone, students practice “playing” a few times (alternate hands)
3. Students get 2 turns: one with regular mallets, second with backwards mallets (playing with sticks).
(a) I sing patterns, they play back on xylophones,
(b) They practice Bounce High with sticks (backwards mallets) - they just try it out, see if they can do it
Lesson 2
- Sing the song
- Pass out papers – students get clipboards and pencils, sit near board. I demonstrate how to write notes. They finish. I check their work.
- Play game
Lesson 3
1. Paper with melodic patterns – practice writing notes – partners help each other, then show me
2. Practice patterns on paper xylophones
3. Practice patterns with partner holding paper up
4. Lucy Locket game
Lesson 4
1. Paper xylophone – practice melodic patterns from last lesson's worksheet
2. Students take turns on xyl – practice patterns I sing, then echo
- Then, turn mallets backwards and make up patterns
3. Teach chant: Shine in your heart... Practice moving hands in the air to the rhythm of the poem.
4. Pass out composition papers - get partners. Practice possible melodic patterns with partners with the poem's rhythm.
Lesson 5
1. Sit next to partner. Both practice song on paper xylophones.
2. If you have finished practicing on xylophone, write notes on staff.
3. When finished, bring paper to me for me to put on the computer. (I have the music notation program: Sibelius - see below.)
Lesson 6
1. Practice on xyl & paper xyl
2. Write notes on computer copy
(some finish writing on staff)
Lesson 7
1. Practice song
2. Perform
Materials:
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| paper xylophone |
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| melodic patterns - practice writing notes |
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Partners helping each other learn to play their own compositions. One person holds the music, the other plays. Then they switch. |
