Sixteenth Notes ♬

Fourth and Fifth grade classes have been working on singing, identifying, performing, and creating rhythm patterns using sixteenth notes.  ♬  They reviewed how the sixteenth notes are related to fractions: 16 of them fit into one measure of 4/4 time and they are 1/16 of a whole note!

Then, they learned a folk song called "No One in the House" that incorporates sixteenth notes in the melody.  After learning a pattern using body percussion, they were able to transfer the pattern to the mallet instruments.  Next, the students practiced creating their own rhythm patterns and practicing them using alternating hands on individual bars.  Finally, we were able to combine all of these elements together for a performance!  They did a fabulous job!  Check out some pictures of the students hard at work:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Thanksgiving Rhythms

High Shoals students had a blast notating, performing, and composing Thanksgiving rhythms! 

First and second grade classes learned the song "The Dinner Was Delicious" by Deanna Stark (found on her website: http://deannastark.weebly.com/ ).

Students then worked in pairs to notate the rhythms for various foods found on the Thanksgiving table!  The students not only enjoyed discovering the rhythm of the words, but also discussing which foods were their favorite.  ツ

After the students had notated each rhythm, they categorized each word according to it's rhythm pattern.

Then, students created patterns using their "food cards" and practiced clapping them.  After experimenting with various patterns, each group chose their favorite 4-card pattern and performed it for the class.

At the end of class, we created a rondo by singing "The Dinner Was Delicious" and adding in each group's pattern for the "B" sections.  I couldn't help but smile when I heard "Mrs. E, I am really hungry now!"   ツ

Rhythm Centers

First grade students have really been enjoying their rhythm centers!  This has given them a chance to practice identifying, performing, and creating 4-beat patterns using quarter notes, quarter rests, and eighth notes.  Here are some of the fun games they played:

Center 1:  Koosh Ball Rhythms (SMARTboard) - The students take turns tossing the koosh ball at the board and when they hit a circle a rhythm will pop up.  They then have to read that rhythm correctly to their team.

 

 





Center 2:  Rhythm Board Game - When it is their turn, the student draws a card and reads the rhythm to the group.  If they read it correctly, they can roll the dice and move their game piece.

 



Center 3:  Rhythm Bingo - One student will be the "caller" and will read various rhythm patterns aloud to their group.  The group members then have to find that rhythm on their card and cover it up with a Bingo chip.  The first student that gets Bingo will be the new caller of the game.

 



Center 4:  Rhythm Composition - The students will take turns being the "composer" who will create a 4-beat rhythm pattern hidden behind the "screen."  The composer will read aloud their rhythm and the group members have to notate the rhythm using their rhythm cards.  The composer will then reveal the rhythm by lifting the screen and check who got the right answer.

 



Center 5:  Rhythm Matching - Students will take turns flipping over two rhythm cards trying to find matches.  If they get two cards that are the same, they have to say the rhythm correctly to claim the match.



Stomp Display

I do not usually have very much student work to display since my students' "work" happens during our class performances.  However, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to show off the 4th and 5th grade Stomp Projects.  Each group completed a worksheet to show the rhythms they chose, the instruments they played, and an explanation of their performance.  The students really enjoy finding their group's work in the display and checking out all of the pictures! 

 Update: After many requests, I have decided to share my Stomp: Trash Percussion Group Project! Click here if you would like to download a copy. :)