Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Clap simple rhythmic patterns.
• Sing a familiar South African folk song.
• Identify sounds made by everyday objects.
• Move your body to a beat.
• Create your own rhythm using your body.

Lesson summary

This week, we’re diving into the exciting world of music, singing, and rhythm! Music is all around us in South Africa. Think about the vibrant sounds of gqom music coming from a taxi, the traditional songs sung at family gatherings, or even the rhythm of rain falling on a corrugated iron roof. Understanding rhythm and music helps us to express ourselves, connect with our culture, and have fun! Learning about music is important because it helps us develop our listening skills, coordination, and creativity. We can explore our feelings and share them with others through songs and movement. Plus, making music is a great way to celebrate our heritage!

Lesson notes

What is Rhythm? Rhythm is like the heartbeat of music. It’s the pattern of sounds and silences that create a sense of movement. Think of it like a dance for your ears! Rhythm can be fast, slow, or somewhere in between. We can find rhythm in everything around us, not just in music. For example, the ticking of a clock has a steady rhythm.

Example: Imagine you're walking down the street in Johannesburg. You might hear the boom-boom-chicka-boom of a car stereo. That's a rhythm! Or maybe you hear the tap-tap-tap of someone fixing shoes. That's rhythm too! What is Singing? Singing is using our voices to make music. We use our vocal cords (which are inside our throats) to create different sounds, and we put those sounds together to make melodies. Singing is a great way to express how we feel, whether we are happy, sad, or excited. In South Africa, singing is a big part of our culture. Think about the songs sung at weddings, funerals, or during traditional dances.

Example: Think about singing "Happy Birthday." You’re changing the sounds you make with your voice to create a melody. That's singing! Also, think about the powerful voices in South African gospel music – they are excellent examples of using your voice to sing! What is Music? Music is a combination of sounds organized in a way that is pleasing to the ear. It can include rhythm, melody (the tune), harmony (different sounds that go together), and timbre (the quality of a sound). Music can make us feel different emotions and can be used to tell stories. Music can be made using instruments, voices, or even everyday objects!

Example: A song on the radio is music. So is the sound of children playing, the wind rustling through the trees, or a marimba band playing at a market in Pretoria. It’s all music! Body Percussion Body percussion refers to making music with your own body. This involves using parts of your body to create sounds like clapping, stomping your feet, patting your knees, clicking your fingers, and even making sounds with your mouth. It’s a fun and accessible way to explore rhythm and music without needing any instruments.

Example: Think of a gumboot dance. The dancers use their gumboots to create a rhythmic beat while they move and dance. That's body percussion! Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: I am going to clap a pattern. Listen carefully and then clap the same pattern back to me: Clap-Clap-Pause.

Solution: The students should clap twice, then pause (no sound) for the same length of time as one clap.

Commentary: This focuses on listening skills and replicating a simple rhythmic pattern. This tests Objective

1. Question 2: Let’s sing the first verse of “Thina Sizwe”. I will sing it first, and then you sing it with me.

Solution: The teacher models the first verse of the song ("Thina Sizwe esinsundu...") with correct pronunciation and rhythm. Students then sing along with the teacher. (The lyrics and a simple melody for "Thina Sizwe" should be prepared).

Commentary: This reinforces singing skills and introduces a familiar South African folk song. This tests Objective

2. Question 3: What sound does a spoon make when you hit it against a pot? What sound does crumpling paper make? What sound do your shoes make when you stomp your feet?

Solution: Spoon hitting a pot: Clang or Ding Crumpling paper: Crinkle or Rustle Shoes stomping: Thump or Stomp

Commentary: This encourages children to identify and describe sounds around them. This tests Objective

3. Question 4: I am going to play a simple drumbeat (using a table or a drum if available). Move your body to the beat. You can stomp, clap, or dance!

Solution: The teacher plays a steady beat. The students respond by moving their bodies rhythmically to the beat. The teacher can vary the tempo (speed) of the beat.

Commentary: This encourages coordination and rhythmic movement. This tests Objective

4. Question 5: Create your own rhythmic pattern using only your body. You can clap, stomp, click, or pat. Show the class your pattern.

Solution: Each student creates and performs their own unique pattern.

Example: Clap-Stomp-Clap-Click.

Commentary: This encourages creativity and allows students to explore different sounds using their bodies. This tests Objective

5. Independent Practice (Questions Only)

Listen to this pattern: Pause-Clap-Pause-Clap. Can you clap it back to me? Sing the first line of “Shosholoza.” Can you clap the rhythm of the words as you sing? What sound does a dog make when it barks? What sound does a car make when it drives by? I will play a drumbeat that goes fast, then slow. Can you show me with your hands when the beat is fast and when it is slow? Create a short rhythm using three different body percussion sounds. For example, clap, pat your knees, and click your fingers. Imagine you are walking in a busy market in South Africa. What are three different sounds you might hear? Listen to this pattern of short claps and long claps. Can you draw a picture to show the pattern?