| Lesson start ideas | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Music |
| What age group | Year or Grade 1 |
| What topic | Quarter and Half Notes |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Music is all about creativity and exploration. Let's begin the lesson on quarter and half notes with an activity that will get our young musicians excited about making music.
Ask students to sit in a circle and distribute drumsticks or objects that can serve as drumsticks (e.g., pencils, wooden spoons, plastic containers). Explain that you will tap out a beat, and the students will follow along using their drumsticks. After a few minutes, switch roles and let the students take turns leading the beat.
Another engaging way to introduce music concepts to young students is through singing games. Here are two examples:
"Down by the Banks" - Students sit in a circle and clap hands with their neighbor while singing the song. At the end of each verse, the clapping hands are replaced with slapping hands. For the chorus, students jump up and run around the circle while singing. After a few rounds, introduce the concept of quarter notes and how they match the syllables of the song.
"Bee Bee Bumble Bee" - Students stand in a circle and take turns singing the song while hopping one foot in and out of the circle. After each student takes a turn, the class sings together while hopping on both feet. Introduce half notes by pointing out the longer duration of certain syllables.
Now that the students are warmed up and eager to learn, let's talk about quarter and half notes. Use visuals and interactive examples to explain the concepts.
Show a picture of a clock and explain that quarter notes last for one beat, like a second on the clock. Half notes last for two beats, like two seconds on the clock.
Use a drum, tambourine, or clap hands to demonstrate quarter and half notes. For example, tap out a quarter note rhythm on the drum, and then demonstrate a half note rhythm by holding the drum beat for two beats. Encourage students to try clapping along with the rhythms.
By starting the lesson with an engaging activity and integrating interactive learning activities and visuals, young students will be able to grasp the concept of quarter and half notes while having fun.