Lesson Plan

October, Week 3: Rhythm patterns and Improvisation
3rd grade
George Dickenson: Cold Harbor Elementary

• This lesson is centered around a song called Old Joe Clark. Students will read the song off a sheet of paper, and the teacher will teach the song by rote. After the singing section, the teacher will play a series of four measures of piano. Students will be instructed to pat the steady beat during the first measure, clap it for the second, pat for the third, clap for the fourth. They will then individually take turns improvising on a conga drum during the pats and the wood blocks during the claps as the teacher plays the piano. This will first be demonstrated by the teacher then all students will have a chance to join in.

• This lesson will take place over 45 minutes.

• Essential Questions: What is improvisation? What does it mean to rhythmically improvise in music?

Art or Music SOL Objectives: 3.1The student will sing a repertoire of songs in tune with a clear tone quality. Sing melodies within the range of an octave. Perform in a two-part music ensemble. Accompany singing with rhythm and/or melody instruments. Use music terminology to interpret a music selection.

• Two drums and two wood blocks will be used during the activity rather than just one. This will allow Tyler to have a buddy to look to, should he loose track of his part.

• The words will be on the board in addition to the patting and clapping parts. Tyler will receive a separate handout with large writing. Pictures of “patting” and “clapping” will be used above these parts for easy recognition.

• Areas of challenge