General Goal(s): Identification of quarter note and quarter rest

Specific Objectives: Reading notated quarter note/quarter rest rhythms

Required Materials:

>          Music to “When Ducks Get Up in the Morning”

>          Small posters with quarter note rhythms on them. I made posters from 8×14 paper and used the following rhythms:

Note note note note

Note note note rest

Note note rest rest

Note rest rest rest

Note rest note rest

>          Handouts with the same rhythms

Anticipatory Set (Lead-In): Students need to know the song. They need to be able to identify a quarter note and a quarter rest, and know that a note means to MAKE a sound and a rest means to NOT make a sound.

Step-By-Step Procedures: The song is very easy and can be learned in a matter of minutes.

>Once the children know the song, point out that when the ducks say, “Quack, quack, quack, quack” they are using this rhythm (the first one in the list). Have them sing the that verse of the song again and you point to the notes as they sing “Quack, quack, quack, quack.”

>Show students the next rhythm on the list and ask them what the duck would say to that rhythm. To “play” the rests, I have students close their lips tightly on the beat where the rest falls to emphasize the silence. And of course you can use another verse, utilizing other animal sounds for the quarter notes. You can alternate between the two rhythms to encourage the students to pay close attention to the rhythms.

>Continue the verses, introducing new rhythms, and going back to the original.

>When the students have finished the song, pass out rhythm sticks and have them play the rhythms, tapping the sticks for the notes and tapping the air for the rests. You can line all the posters up and see how far they can get without making a mistake.

Plan For Independent Practice: Give each student a handout with the same rhythms. They can tap, snap, or clap the rhythms on their own as you go around the room to observe individuals.

Closure (Reflect Anticipatory Set): Review with the students what a quarter note looks like – It has a stem, it is colored in. Review what a quarter rest looks like – lightning or a zig-zag. Which one makes a sound? Which one means be silent?

Assessment Based On Objectives: Observe individuals as they are practicing with the handout to find those who need help.

Adaptations (For Students With Learning Disabilities):

Extensions (For Gifted Students): Have students make up their own rhythms and post them in the room.

Possible Connections To Other Subjects: Math – counting

Other suggestions:

In a later lesson, introduce the half note. Use “Half note, half note” for the rhythm the cow uses when she says “moo-oo, moo-oo” – (or the horse, “nay-ay, nay-ay” – or the sheep, “baa-aa, baa-aa”)

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Susie

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