Journal Three

Journal #3

In this unit we really focused on the recorder. We learned the fingerings for low C,D,E, and F on the reorder. It was very interesting to use my whole hand while playing the recorder!! My hands are small and I never thought I could do it! But I am learning. We learned more about the variety of instruments that we can incorporate in the classroom. Instruments that can produce melody, harmony, and rhythm such as jingle bells and drums can be used. We learned how to incorporate all different kinds of instruments into music for a story. We brought in plastic, paper, glass, and metal and turned those items into instruments for a Halloween story. We learned that children love making sounds and being involved in a story. As a class, we made sounds and played instruments for "Boo-Who baby" and the song "Nyangara, the Python". Playing instruments and making sounds during a story makes the story more interesting and fun for children. Some instruments that produce melody are the tone chimes, the recorder, and the piano. Instruments that produce rhythm are the cymbals, bongo drums, and rhythm sticks of course. Also, there are instruments that produce harmony such as the Q-chord, guitar, and the autoharp. We used to bongo drums for the "chief" sound in the song "Nyangara, the Python". We played our recorders to the melody of the song. It was fun to incorporate what we have read and learned in class to actual material. It is important to learn how to incorporate music into a lesson plan because music is a huge part of our culture. Also, music and musical instruments make lessons more exciting, intriguing and fun for children. It gains their attention and makes children want to learn about music. Students do not even realize that they are learning because they are having fun. Music was my favorite subject as a child. I think it is a good idea for students to play instruments in school because it lets children express their emotions and feelings. Elementary school children will be more interested in music and instrument if it is introduced early. It was difficult for me to learn how to play the recorder. My hands are very small. Therefore, it was hard for me to hold the recorder and play at the same time. I am learning slowly...and improving. The part I liked best was incorporating the instruments into the stories we read in class. This class has been very interesting and educational.