Expand on the Reading

Lesson Plans for MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS level P

Expand on the Reading

Writing Connection
Have children design and draw their own imaginary (or real) instrument. Ask them to name the instrument and write a short paragraph. They may include such information as the classification; whether it is played in a band, orchestra, or by itself; how it is played; what it is made of; or the type of sound it produces.

Social Studies Connection
Musical Instruments can be integrated into the social studies curriculum. Invite a guest to come and play an instrument that originates from a different part of the world. If the guest agrees, encourage children to ask questions about the music and how it contributes to the culture. With permission, the children might touch the instrument. Alternatively, use a tape/CD that features music produced by one of the international instruments included in the book. Encourage children to dance, sing, or clap to the music.

Reading Independently
Have children read the book independently or with a partner. You can also encourage them to read other books of their choice at the appropriate level.
Have children choose one of the following (or discover one independently) and suggest they try to find information in an encyclopedia, dictionary, or on the Internet. Pictures of other instruments from around the world can be found at www.ashmol.ox.ac.uk/BCMIPage.html
Didgeridoo — Australia
Ocarina — Latin America
Shakuhachi flute — China and Japan
Friction block — Papua New Guinea and Australia
Rebab — North Africa and the Middle East
Tontorentzi — Peru
Balalaika — Russia
Psaltery (a type of dulcimer) — many places around the world
Gamelan orchestra — Indonesia (a collection of percussion instruments)
Tabla — India
Saron — Japan

Home Connection
Send the book home to be read to or with family members. The family can watch Walt Disney’s Fantasia and then discuss the music and the film.

Assessment

Monitor children’s responses in the Comprehending the Text section to assess how well they understand the text or story.
Monitor reading to see if children are using the effective reading strategies.
Assess children’s knowledge of classification of instruments, use of commas in a series, and sight reading words from foreign languages.

Review the worksheets and written assignments for accuracy of facts, use of commas in series, and new vocabulary.

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