Our focus for today centered around the typical instrument families found in an orchestra. We began by brainstorming with small group teams and then used a variety of music themed books and video clips to expand our discussion, as well as to give us insight into each instrument discussed. Our discussion's focus headed into the area of "geography" as the students were interested in finding out which countries developed certain instruments. After discussing a variety of usual and unusual instruments, we then practiced listening to different instruments and running to the corner labeled with the particular instrument family. (Very loud, but fun!) We also read a story titled, The Orchestra which went deeper into how a composer structures a new piece or "composition" and the choices he/she needs to make when creating a new piece. Video clip examples were shown for each family of music to help illustrate each area. The students drew how the music made them feel on whiteboards and then discussed with a partner if they would choose instruments from that "family" if they were composing a song. After lunch, we visited my website and looked at the different information that can be found there. Under the tab titled, "Unit Study", there is a page that asks a Question of the Day. The question(s) center around choosing a musical genre that you would create a record album in and what would you title it etc. The students have a chance to "blog" (a web log) about the questions posed. After they blog, the blogs come to me and I approve them before they are posted on my website. If you would like to read what they have written, the web address is wendeehughes.weebly.com If they read each others' blogs at home, then they might want to make comments. If so, "mouse" down to the bottom of the blogs to find the area called, Reply. This is where they will reply or reflect on other blogs from my class. Thank you for sharing your child with me today!
Strand I
Research(Acquiring Knowledge)
2. Discover and evaluate patterns and relationships in information, ideas, and structures
Strand II
Communication(Sharing Knowledge)
2. Exchange information, questions, and ideas while recognizing the perspectives of others
Strand IV
Affective(Emotional Knowledge)
1. Identify tasks that require a coordinated effort and work with others to complete those tasks
Strand I
Research(Acquiring Knowledge)
2. Discover and evaluate patterns and relationships in information, ideas, and structures
Strand II
Communication(Sharing Knowledge)
2. Exchange information, questions, and ideas while recognizing the perspectives of others
Strand IV
Affective(Emotional Knowledge)
1. Identify tasks that require a coordinated effort and work with others to complete those tasks