Trimester 1, 2017-18 Summary
What have we been up to this trimester in Mrs. Jensen's music classes?
Our focus for all grade levels this trimester has primarily been on RHYTHM! Students have been working hard on being able to identify, read, sing, play, perform, and compose these rhythms in the charts below. (If you look closely, you will see how the concepts are divided by grade level.)
What did we do in class to become successful with this learning?
In order to climb this musical mountain...
We played games,
Constructed notes and composed music with pipe cleaners
Played songs containing the rhythms on instruments
Composed songs and assessed music literacy with the help of our Chromebooks
Stretched and pushed ourselves to become better musicians!
EXAMPLE: In this assignment, the students needed to compose the music in the measures, but some were able to challenge themselves even more and take it to the next level! Here is are a couple of outstanding examples from 5th grade!
As you can see, we have been very busy learning about rhythm this trimester! But that's not all we've been up to!
Each grade level voted on their favorite songs from the books and then we incorporated them into the lessons. We played stick passing games as a way to deepen our understanding of beat and rhythm AND work on those life skills of cooperation, team work, and perseverance. We created a realistic rhythmic rain storm using instruments (gathering drum, hand drums, rain stick), body percussion (snapping, clapping, etc) and some "special effects" (light switches = lightening). It was so powerful and exciting! Make sure to ask them about it! Several classes even danced, splashed and jumped "in the rain."
The time with my first two kindergarten classes went by waaaaay to quickly! They were absolutely adorable, sweet and energetic learners. We sang, danced, played, and became beginning music readers!! I can't wait to see them again in 1st grade! I will miss them! My next batch will begin this week. I hope they are ready for some fun!
My 1st and 2nd graders have begun to work on their music for their HAPPINESS CONCERT on January 18th as well! They sound amazing. We have been able to discuss the power they possess in their voices. When they begin to sing, it is like the light is turned up brighter in the room. The beauty, fun, and emotion they create with song is truly amazing. I can't wait for them to showcase all of their hard work and talent!
It's been a wonderful Trimester 1...I am excited for some more fun, learning and growing in Trimester 2.
