2nd and 3rd Grade Activities for Music at Home
In 2nd and 3rd grades, we build on experiences from previous grades. We take the foundation of simple rhythms learned in first grade and continue to build upon those through different activities such as singing games, playing ostinatos on instruments as we sing, moving to the music, and creating our own music patterns or compositions. Activities on this page will support students experiences in the music classroom.
We practice reading and playing rhythms on our classroom instruments, but we can really make music with anything we find around us. The following video is of a group called STOMP. This group makes music with all sorts of things: brooms, trash cans and their lids, kitchen utensils, and lots more. Watch this video of them in a kitchen. As you watch listen for the rhythms they create, the "instruments" they use, and the natural musical sounds around them. I dare you not to tap your toe!
Now, go to the kitchen and find anything you can use to make music. Make sure you get your mom or dad's permission. (Or better yet, take them with you!) See what kind of rhythms you can create on your "instruments." Remember, you're not just banging. Use steady beat and any of the notes we've talked about in class like quarter notes and eighth notes, and for you 3rd graders, sixteenth notes. Don't forget that silence is music, too! Have fun with it!
I'd love to hear what you come up with. Have someone record your performance then upload it to your portfolio on Class Dojo.
We are so fortunate to live so close to Music City, USA also known as Nashville, the home of country music. During this time of quarantine, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville is closed. However, there are resources on their website that are invaluable in music education.
The following page is CMHOF Fun at Home. Here you will find resources to explore exhibits, learn about instruments, and create your own record label.
For those of you who would like a challenge, the CMHOF also offers songwriting classes. On the following webpage, you'll find a video from one of the songwriting teachers at the CMHOF. It's a short introduction to songwriting. Then, you can explore a step-by-step guide to songwriting. A workbook is included below the guide. Use the workbook to help organize your thoughts and ideas for your song. You will also find a tutorial on how to use Garage Band to create music for your lyrics. I would love to hear your song! Create a video of your song and share in your dojo portfolio and let me know so I can watch it. Have fun being creative with this resource.