ALEX Learning Activity

Mystery Rhythm Box

A Learning Activity is a strategy a teacher chooses to actively engage students in learning a concept or skill using a digital tool/resource.

  This learning activity provided by:  
Author: Carrie Cruz
System:Jefferson County
School:Jefferson County Board Of Education
  General Activity Information  
Activity ID: 1763
Title:
Mystery Rhythm Box
Digital Tool/Resource:
 
Web Address – URL:
Not Applicable
Overview:

Students will identify words that use one sound/syllable and two sounds/syllables.  Students will compose 8 beat rhythm patterns using random items from a box.  The students will have a fun time making silly rhythm patterns with their random items.

This activity was created as a result of the Arts COS Resource Development Summit.
  Associated Standards and Objectives  
Content Standard(s):
Arts Education
ARTS (2017)
Grade: 2
Music: General
4) Use iconic or standard notation and/or recording technology to combine, sequence, and document personal musical ideas.

Arts Education
ARTS (2017)
Grade: 2
Music: General
9) Read and perform rhythmic and melodic patterns using iconic or standard notation.

Learning Objectives:

The students will be able to identify words with 1 sound and words with 2 sounds.  The students will be able to compose 8 beat rhythms using 1 sound and 2 sounds to a beat.
  Strategies, Preparations and Variations  
Phase:
During/Explore/Explain
Activity:

Review ways to make 8 beat rhythm patterns using one sound and two sounds using iconic notation such as "apple" for 2 sounds/syllables and "pear" for one sound.

Put the students into groups.  The teacher may decide how many students are in each group. Give each group a mystery box and allow the students a minute to look through their box.  Expect lots of laughter and "huh?" as they look through the items.

Ask the students to work together in their group to create an 8 beat rhythm pattern using the names of the items from the box.  If the box has more than 8 items, then they will not use every item to create their rhythm.

Remind the students to make sure that they have exactly 8 beats in their rhythm.

Once the group has created their rhythm, the students should practice saying their rhythm pattern together with a steady beat.

Have each group perform their rhythm for the class.
Assessment Strategies:

The teacher will use informal observation to assess if each pattern is 8 beats in length.

The teacher will use informal observation to assess if students can read rhythms with one sound and two sounds per beat.

The teacher will use informal observation to assess if students can identify 1 and 2 syllable words.

 
Advanced Preparation:

Materials needed:

  • boxes or containers (enough for the number of groups you need)

  • items whose name has 1 syllable or 2 syllable

Examples of 1 syllable items: ball, toy, car, pen, stamp, shoe, cube, dice, card, heart, rock, stick, book

Examples of 2 syllable items: (plastic) lemon, apple, pickle, flip-flop, pencil, earring, folder, football, bottle (plastic, empty, and clean)

  •  Place at least 8 items in each box or container
Variation Tips (optional):

  • Use pictures of items in plastic bags instead of items in boxes.

  • Have students name items that could be added to the Mystery Rhythm Boxes that use 1 or 2 sounds/syllables.

  • Have students write their rhythmic compositions using quarter notes and eighth notes.

  • Have the students play their rhythm using instruments of their choice.
Notes or Recommendations (optional):
 
  Keywords and Search Tags  
Keywords and Search Tags: