End of Semester Curriculum Summary: Elementary Music

As the semester comes to a close, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible musical journey our students have experienced this year! From learning basic rhythms to exploring creative movement and composition, each grade level has worked hard and grown tremendously in their musical abilities. Below, I have provided a summary of what each group has been learning in music class over the past few months. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement!

Kindergarten

Our kindergartners have been busy laying a strong musical foundation through songs, movement, and hands-on exploration! We began the year with rituals and routines, including our welcome and goodbye songs, stretches, and breathing exercises to center our bodies and minds for music class. As the weeks progressed, we focused on important early literacy and rhythmic skills by exploring rhyming words, identifying syllables in language, and creating simple rhythms.

The students had fun learning about dynamics with tiptoeing and stomping to represent piano (soft) and forte (loud), often accompanied by the piano. Our weekly chapel songs became a class favorite as the children gained confidence singing together.

We also explored storytelling and onomatopoeia through activities like Bear Hunt, where students mimicked animal sounds and used their voices expressively. We worked on pitch with activities for high and low sounds, using arm movements, scarves for octave jumps, and the piano to help us hear the difference. Students practiced conducting the group using colored cards to lead musical responses—a fantastic first step in leadership and listening!

We introduced rhythm instruments such as the kala‘au, egg shakers, maracas, and rhythm sticks, giving students opportunities to keep steady beats and explore sound-making. Toward the end of the semester, kindergarteners began learning about rhythm notation with ta (quarter note) and ti-ti (eighth notes) and had a blast experimenting with technology through Chrome Music Lab.

Other highlights included engaging finger plays like “Chicken Talk” and “Apple Tree,” exploring mood interpretation through music, and playing a fun listening game where students used their sense of hearing while blindfolded. We listened to the classic musical story Peter and the Wolf, explored common melodies, and participated in our special Spooktivity and Christmas program.

1st and 2nd Grade

In our multiage 1st and 2nd grade classrooms, we built on routines and musical foundations to explore rhythm, movement, and vocal development. We began the year by establishing strong routines and procedures, including our welcome song, stretches, breathing, and an emphasis on classroom rules and teamwork.

Students practiced clapping and repeating rhythms to develop listening skills and rhythm accuracy. We worked on maintaining a steady beat through body percussion and echoing patterns while also exploring rhythms with snap/clap/pat/stomp variations. Activities like Move and Freeze and Follow the Leader encouraged students to embody the pulse of the music.

A favorite activity was our focus on storytelling and music with Kirisu, where students acted out characters through song and movement. We sang Sol-Mi songs to practice pitch and explored our vocal range through fun activities like "Five Little Monkeys."

Students learned basic rhythm notation with stick notation and practiced dictating rhythms using popsicle sticks. We made rhythm practice active and engaging with a rhythm relay that had students running and moving to rhythms. On instruments, students had a chance to play xylophones, exploring steady beats and simple melodies.

We also introduced students to finger plays such as Two Little Apples, where we worked on internalizing the beat by acting out motions without vocalizing. The children practiced sight-reading simple rhythms, creating and maintaining ostinato patterns with percussion instruments, and adding their own creative movements. It was amazing to see their confidence grow with rhythm and beat!

3rd and 4th Grade

Our multiage 3rd and 4th grade classes took their musical knowledge to the next level this semester! We began with familiarizing ourselves with routines and procedures before diving into more advanced rhythmic and melodic concepts. Students built strong rhythmic skills through rhythmic training exercises and enjoyed activities like rhythm reading bingo to make learning interactive.

To develop creativity and teamwork, students participated in mirroring exercises, where partners practiced fluidly switching and following body movements. We explored playing music in parts and reading simple scores, which fostered collaboration and listening.

A big focus for 3rd graders was learning the treble clef for the first time. We used engaging activities like the floor staff, Treble Clef Bingo, and Spelling Words games to reinforce note reading. Students also practiced composition using Mario Paint Composer to create simple melodies while applying their treble clef knowledge.

Students had fun playing instruments such as boomwhackers, participating in games like Boomwhacker Hero, and exploring musical form with AB movement activities. Choreographing sections with partners allowed students to express music through dance and creativity.

We also introduced Sol-La-Mi patterns to improve pitch recognition and ended the semester by bringing music and technology together through storyboard animation projects, where students combined their musical and creative skills.

5th Grade

Our 5th graders had an exciting semester full of rhythm, composition, and collaboration! We started by setting clear routines and procedures and spent time brainstorming classroom rules and ways to embody them both inside and outside of music class.

Building on their previous skills, students practiced reading scores and playing music in parts, strengthening their rhythm and note-reading abilities. We reviewed the treble clef and extended our learning by reading notes above and below the staff with added ledger lines.

Technology played a big role in our curriculum this year. Students explored music creation with programs like GarageBand and Ableton, composing and experimenting with different sounds and textures. It was inspiring to see their creativity shine as they worked on their projects.

A special highlight of the semester was working with high school choreographers to prepare for our Christmas program. The 5th graders showed impressive leadership and teamwork as they combined music, movement, and performance skills to bring this event to life.

This semester has been filled with growth, creativity, and joyful music-making. I am so proud of all our students and the hard work they put into learning and creating. Thank you for supporting our music program and encouraging your children to embrace the beauty of music. I look forward to another wonderful semester ahead!

Musically yours,

Mr. Lenec