Comprehensive Recorder Rhythm Lesson Plan (Grades 5-6)

Are you searching for an engaging, ready-to-use recorder rhythm lesson that includes student composition? This detailed, two-day unit based on the hilarious book Do NOT Take Your Dragon on a Field Trip by Julie Gassman is the perfect resource. Designed specifically for Grades 5 and 6 General Music, this plan transforms a fun story into a rich, standards-aligned recorder rhythm lesson experience. It’s perfect for reinforcing concepts and building confidence.

Dive Deep into Music Composition and Rhythm

This is more than just a simple performance piece. Your students become active music composers from day one. They will isolate the catchy, repeated phrase from the book and decode its inherent, syncopated rhythm. Working collaboratively, students use building blocks to create and notate their own 8-beat rhythmic compositions. This hands-on process solidifies their understanding of musical structure and standard rhythm notation.

Day 1: Hand Drum Performance and Rhythm Foundation

The first day is all about percussion and pulse. Students will review syncopated rhythms through echo exercises. After decoding the story’s repeated phrase, small groups will utilize hand drums to bring their compositions to life. This section includes clear instruction on proper hand drum technique and encourages collaborative performance. Students practice speaking the rhythm syllables and the story words before performing their phrases with accurate, expressive technique. This reinforces performing standards MU:Pr5.1.3a and MU:Pr6.1.3a.

Day 2: Melodic Composition and Recorder Rhythm Performance

The adventure continues on day two by transitioning to melodic composition and recorder performance. This is the core of your recorder rhythm lesson. Students review the notes B, A, and G on the soprano recorder. They then take the 8-beat rhythm composed on Day 1 and use it as a framework to create a brand new recorder melody. Using note name cards and notation sheets, they explore different melodic ideas that fit their rhythm. This process allows students to demonstrate understanding of the elements of music, fulfilling MU:Pr4.2.3a. The unit culminates in performing their composed melodies while reading the story aloud, seamlessly blending literature and music.

Full Standards Alignment and Included Materials

This high-value lesson is fully aligned with National Core Arts Standards (NCAS) for Grades 5-6 in Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. All materials needed are listed, ensuring low-prep implementation. You’ll receive a printable rhythm composition worksheet and a melodic composition worksheet ready for use. Materials utilized include hand drums and the soprano recorder. Use this engaging recorder rhythm lesson to foster advanced musical literacy and joyful performance in your classroom today!