Content
Fourth grade students at Netzaberg Elementary School will be able to play songs on pitch with the correct rhythm and a steady beat. My fourth graders can sing a simple familiar song with the correct rhythm and pitch. However, when they attempt to play the same song on a recorder, problems arise. Students at the fourth grade level often struggle when they attempt to play the soprano recorder for the first time.
The first thing they need to know is pitch. If they have the correct holes covered on the recorder, they will produce the correct pitch. This means correct fingering and fine motor control are essential when learning pitch on the recorder.
The next thing they need to know is rhythm. Rhythm is a pattern of sounds. Students will learn there are many patterns of sound within a melody. When teaching rhythm students will learn the different syllables associated with the different written notation.
Finally, students will learn how to keep a steady beat. This is done by listening to a metronome or listening to their heartbeat.
Students in music have many challenges and misconceptions. There are some students that have not developed their vision and fine motor control at the level needed for playing their recorder proficiently (Fedele, 2002). This is often the first instrument they have ever tried to master so they are learning a new process. Playing the recorder requires focused thought and fine motor control. In my experience in the classroom I have also noticed students have misconceptions about rhythm and beat. Despite these misconceptions and challenges I feel confident in my strategies for delivering the content.
Fourth grade students at Netzaberg Elementary School will be able to play songs on pitch with the correct rhythm and a steady beat. My fourth graders can sing a simple familiar song with the correct rhythm and pitch. However, when they attempt to play the same song on a recorder, problems arise. Students at the fourth grade level often struggle when they attempt to play the soprano recorder for the first time.
The first thing they need to know is pitch. If they have the correct holes covered on the recorder, they will produce the correct pitch. This means correct fingering and fine motor control are essential when learning pitch on the recorder.
The next thing they need to know is rhythm. Rhythm is a pattern of sounds. Students will learn there are many patterns of sound within a melody. When teaching rhythm students will learn the different syllables associated with the different written notation.
Finally, students will learn how to keep a steady beat. This is done by listening to a metronome or listening to their heartbeat.
Students in music have many challenges and misconceptions. There are some students that have not developed their vision and fine motor control at the level needed for playing their recorder proficiently (Fedele, 2002). This is often the first instrument they have ever tried to master so they are learning a new process. Playing the recorder requires focused thought and fine motor control. In my experience in the classroom I have also noticed students have misconceptions about rhythm and beat. Despite these misconceptions and challenges I feel confident in my strategies for delivering the content.