Friday, May 9, 2014

Grade 1 Unit 4 Newsletter



Grade 1 Unit 4 Sharing the Planet 

“Music like water can flow and take us to different places…”

Grade 1 explored the science of sound and the various properties of instruments in this Sharing the Planet Unit. The students listened to sounds puzzles to learn to identify instrumental sound characteristics. Sound production properties were investigated and categorized into Membranophones: any instrument in which the sound is produced by means of a vibrating membrane, Aerophones: any instrument in which the sound is produced by means of moving air, Idiophones: any instruments in which a resonant solid material—such as wood, metal, or stone—vibrates to produce the initial sound, and Chordophones: any instrument in which a stretched, vibrating string produces the initial sound. Finger drums were made with cut PVC pipe and balloons. The students used these in several class activities. (MU5.1.C)
The students listened to a variety of musical works such as Benjamin Britten’s Sea Interludes and Debussy’s La Mer  and drew descriptive scenes reflection the music. The song the Water is Wide, which describes getting from one side of a big body of water to the other side to find a special person, was learned. The song is sung in conjunction with another song called You get a line and I’ll get a pole which describes a small body of water for fishing. (MU2.1.C)  The songs’ themes illustrate how water can play many different roles in daily life, and how it can inspire song writing and musical compositions. Students enjoyed singing the 2 parts together in class.
The Danish holiday Fastelaven was celebrated during this time and allowed the students a moment to learn the song Kan du gætte hvem jeg er. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFDVuvBGuvc
A listening and sound exploration game called Jamaquacks was introduced. Students responded to sound flash cards and learned to conduct each other’s sounds cards. This activity paved the way for the next 2 units.

No comments:

Post a Comment