Sarah Wagner

InTASC 1

I will use Round and Round as my rhyme in this lesson. This lesson will help students

develop melodic improvisation skills. I will use a do-based pentatonic scale. The rhyme includes

quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes. Because of the sixteenth pattern, I would use this lesson in a

3rd grade classroom.

For melodic improvisation, I would begin with only the tonic to establish an

understanding of rhythm. I would then expand the notes to do, mi, and sol, instructing the

students to begin and end on tonic. Lastly, I would add re and la and instruct students to play re-

re do for the last measure. I will adapt my techniques of the lesson based on the students varying

abilities. For my struggling student, I would limit them to do. The individual(s) can demonstrate

the rhythm pattern on one note for the class to be helpful. The student will not feel left out

because of ailing abilities if he/she is helping in a different way. For those struggling with

rhythmic accuracy, I would have them play a steady beat. The struggling students can begin

before others and count off the rest of the class. Advanced students can use different

instruments or teach the rest of the class a certain pattern they have come up with. It can help

aural skills with the whole class and it is fun for the student to lead.

The improvisation can be used in every classroom. The minimal limitation allows

students to be independent but also think about musical choices. For my 3rd graders, Round and

Round would challenge students with rhythms but allow open interpretation. Students are free

to play every note possible, but also utilize a limited range of what sounds good to the individual.