Each Spring, 5th graders have the privilege of participating in the "Recorder Karate" program. It is one of my favorite units to teach because the students love it so much! Recorder Karate is a motivational recorder program that will encourage students to learn to play the soprano recorder with good technique while allowing them to work at their own pace and be rewarded for their hard work.
They will receive a packet of music that has 9 pieces that are increasing in difficulty. Each week we will work together as a class or in small groups to learn the pieces in their packet. Students may work ahead as far as they would like and when they feel confident, they may play a song for me to earn a "belt." The "belts" for the Recorder Karate program are colored yarn tied to the end of their recorder. Each time they earn a belt, they will sign their name on the corresponding poster in the hallway outside of the music room. This is a great way to track their progress and show growth. Their goal is to earn their black belt by the end of our unit in May.
Recorder Resources:
http://www.odogy.com/home/
http://highshoalsrecorders.wikispaces.com/
Interactive Fingering Chart
Recorder Karate Dojo
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ReplyDeleteSo sorry, Deborah! I accidentally deleted your comment! :/ Please remind me of you question when you get a chance.
DeleteHow do you go about teaching the songs during class when the students are on different levels? I did recorder karate this past year (as a first year teacher) and struggled with how to teach different songs at the same time. Thanks for your help!
ReplyDelete--Christi
How did you go about teaching different songs at the same time during class? I did recorder Karate last year (as a first year teacher) and struggled with finding the best way to teach different songs at the same time in an efficient way. What do you do for your 5th graders? Thanks!
ReplyDelete--Christi
Hi Christi -
DeleteBasically, as a class we went through the packet one song at a time. The amount of time we spent on a particular song depended on how the majority of the class was doing with it. If there were students who were extremely far ahead, I would let them practice the other pieces while I was teaching the rest of the class. I did a lot of group work so that allowed me to work with individuals more often. Students could test on GoogleClassroom allowing them to test ahead if they wanted to. I hope that helps! :)
Hi Clare,
DeleteHow did you set up and do testing on google classroom?
Thanks!
Suzie
Suzie - I created the class and put the class code on the students' recorder packets. Then, I created an "assignment" for each belt color. Students will click on the belt color they want to test on and click on "add attachment." Then they will choose the video icon and once they are finished playing they will submit. The videos are private so I can check them during planning and send them a quick message telling them if they got their belt or if they need to fix anything. I still do testing in class but this greatly decreases the amount of time I am spending on it. :) Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
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