Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 1

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• This week, we're diving into the exciting world of music, singing, and rhythm! Music is all around us, from the songs we hear on the radio to the beats we make by clapping our hands. Understanding music and rhythm helps us to express ourselves, connect with our culture, and have fun. In South Africa, music plays a very important role in our lives. We hear music at celebrations, in church, and even during everyday tasks like cooking or cleaning. Learning about music and rhythm helps us appreciate our rich cultural heritage and develop our creativity. This week will focus on foundational skills and recognizing patterns.
• By the end of this week, learners will be able to:
• Objective 1: Identify and create simple rhythmic patterns using body percussion (clapping, stomping, clicking).
• Objective 2: Sing familiar South African songs in tune and with correct rhythm.
• Objective 3: Distinguish between fast and slow tempos in music.

Lesson summary

This week, we're diving into the exciting world of music, singing, and rhythm! Music is all around us, from the songs we hear on the radio to the beats we make by clapping our hands. Understanding music and rhythm helps us to express ourselves, connect with our culture, and have fun. In South Africa, music plays a very important role in our lives. We hear music at celebrations, in church, and even during everyday tasks like cooking or cleaning. Learning about music and rhythm helps us appreciate our rich cultural heritage and develop our creativity. This week will focus on foundational skills and recognizing patterns.

Lesson notes

What is Rhythm? Rhythm is the beat of music. It's like the heartbeat of a song! It's the arrangement of sounds and silences over time. We can create rhythms using our bodies (body percussion) or by playing instruments.

Body Percussion: Using your body to make sounds.

Examples include: Clapping: Striking your hands together.

Stomping: Hitting the floor with your foot.

Clicking: Snapping your fingers.

Patting: Gently hitting your legs or chest.

Rhythmic Patterns: Repeating combinations of sounds and silences.

A pattern might be: Clap, Clap, Stomp, Rest (silence). What is Tempo? Tempo is how fast or slow the music is playing. A fast tempo is called "allegro," while a slow tempo is called "largo." Think of a cheetah running (fast tempo) versus a tortoise walking (slow tempo). What is Singing? Singing is using your voice to make musical sounds. Singing involves matching pitch (how high or low a sound is) and rhythm.

South African Songs and Instruments: South Africa has a rich musical tradition. Many of our songs and instruments are unique and reflect our diverse cultures.

Examples: Shakers (Maracas): Often made from gourds or bottles filled with seeds or pebbles. Common in many South African musical styles.

Drums (Ngoma): Used in traditional ceremonies and celebrations. Different sizes and shapes exist, each with a unique sound.

Penny Whistle (Kwela): A simple flute used to create lively, upbeat music. Associated with the Kwela genre.

Mbira (Thumb Piano): A metal-keyed instrument played by plucking the keys with your thumbs.

Worked example

Example 1: Creating a rhythmic pattern: The teacher claps twice, then stomps once. The pattern is Clap, Clap, Stomp. The learners repeat this pattern several times. Then, the teacher introduces a rest (silence).

The new pattern is: Clap, Clap, Stomp, Rest. Why is rest important? Rest adds variety and makes the music interesting.

Example 2: Identifying Tempo: The teacher plays a recording of a fast-paced song (e.g., a Gqom track). "Is this music fast or slow?" The learners respond "Fast!" Then, the teacher plays a slow song (e.g., a traditional lullaby). "Is this music fast or slow?" The learners respond "Slow!" How do we know the difference? Fast music makes us want to move quickly, slow music makes us feel calm.

Example 3: Singing with Rhythm: The teacher leads the class in singing a simple South African children's song like "Thula Baba" ("Hush, Baby"). The teacher emphasizes the rhythm by clapping along. Learners clap and sing together. Why do we clap along? Clapping helps us stay together and keep the beat.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Can you create a rhythm using only claps and stomps? Create a pattern that has four sounds in it.

Solution: There are many correct answers.

One possibility is: Clap, Stomp, Clap, Stomp.

Another is: Clap, Clap, Clap, Stomp. The key is to have four distinct sounds made by clapping and stomping. We could even include a rest. Clap, Clap, Stomp, Rest.

Question 2: Listen to this song. Is it fast or slow? (Teacher plays a short clip of a song with a moderate tempo).