In 1st grade, I wanted to build rhythmic reading skills but pre-notation. I also finally got a class set of hand drums! So here's my fun new rhythmic approach to Brown Bear!
Lesson Plan
This "game" has 4 levels. I've been having tons of success with telling students that we need to master a level before we can "level up" and add something new
Objective: Students will create, read, and perform 8 beat patterns using familiar themes from Brown Bear, Brown Bear
Level 1: Whole Class Verbal
Introduce activity to whole class using the Smartboard. Students place 4 cards in any order. Whole class reads rhythm string together using words (brown bear, goldfish, green frog, yellow duck).
Level 2: Whole Class Body Percussion
Students add body percussion to verbal chant. I used hand clapping to prepare for hand drums. **Be sure to discuss "Purple Cat" and "Yellow Duck" having more syllables. This is an important learning step towards eighth notes!**
Level 3: Whole Class Hand Drums
Students add percussion.
Level 4: Small Groups with iPads
Students create their own rhythm strings on iPads and perform for each other. I used groups of 2 and one student was the "composer" who created the string while the other was the performer. Students switch after each turn.Bonus Round: Double Up!
Two group join forces and place their two iPads together. Composers work together to compose an 8 card string and both hand drummers perform together.
Tech Specs
Smartboard File
Explain Everything File
You can turn my Explain Everything File into a QR code for easy access for student downloading.
