Date: February 21, 1997

Grade Level(s): 4,5,6,7,8 (This could be fun at any age level. The degree of difficulty could just be increased or decreased dependent on the class.)

Subject(s):

• Arts/Music

Brief Description:

This lesson is made so the students have examples of how syncopated rhythm sounds. The teacher is going to assign three different groups different rhythm patterns and different sounds. They are going to play them individually then together as a class.

Goal:

Have the students understand rhythm in relation to music.

Objectives:

1. Students will be able to read musical notes.
2. Students will be able to perform a basic rhythm pattern.

If the students have not had any prior musical background, there will have to be a session of learning to rhythmic value of the notes.

Concepts:

• Students will understand how to make a syncopated pattern.
• Also how playing different patterns together can make a interesting rhythm.

Some paper for the different patterns, possibly a metronome.

Procedure:

1. Group the students into 3 different groups.

2. Give each group a different pattern and sound. (ex. group one will clap quarter notes, group two will rub hands together in the rhythm of quarter note-two eighth notes-quarter note-two eighth notes.)

3. Set the metronome to a certain tempo.

4. Have each group practice individually.

5. Start the rhythm one group at a time.

6. After you think the class has accomplished that particular pattern, change the groups around so they get a chance to do every pattern.

Assessment: This will be a self-assessed lesson. After it is done, have a class discussion on how it could be improved, if possible.