### Lesson Plan: Singing and Instrumental Performance for 4th Grade
**Grade Level**: 4th Grade
**Subject**: Music
**Topic**: Singing and Instrumental Performance
**Duration**: 60 minutes
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#### Objectives:
1. Students will understand and demonstrate proper vocal techniques.
2. Students will identify different types of musical instruments.
3. Students will perform a simple song using both singing and instrumental accompaniment.
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#### Materials Needed:
- Song lyrics and sheet music (simple song, e.g., "Row, Row, Row Your Boat")
- Audio playback device for listening examples
- Various classroom instruments (e.g., xylophones, tambourines, recorders, maracas)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with basic musical terms and notes
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#### Standards Alignment:
- National Core Arts Standards – Music: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting.
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### Procedure:
**1. Introduction (10 minutes)**
- **Greeting and Warm-Up**: Begin with a brief greeting and simple vocal warm-up exercises. Examples:
- Humming scale: "Mmm-mmm-mmm"
- Lip trills (blowing air through closed lips to make them vibrate)
- Simple vocal scales (C-D-E-F-G-F-E-D-C).
- **Objective Overview**: Explain the objectives of the lesson - learning to sing a song and play accompanying instruments.
**2. Listening and Discussion (10 minutes)**
- **Play an Example**: Play a recording of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or another simple, well-known song.
- **Discussion**: Ask students what they notice about the emotions and dynamics in the song – is it fast or slow? Loud or soft?
- **Introduction to Instruments**: Show students different classroom instruments and discuss their sounds and how they contribute to the song.
**3. Singing Practice (15 minutes)**
- **Teach the Song**: Provide students with the song lyrics and sing line by line, having students repeat after you.
- **Add Dynamics**: Practice singing softly, loudly, quickly, and slowly to understand the dynamics of the song.
**4. Instrumental Practice (15 minutes)**
- **Assign Instruments**: Arrange students in small groups and assign different instruments.
- **Demonstrate Proper Techniques**: Show students how to play their instruments correctly.
- **Practice With Instruments**: Allow students to practice playing their parts individually and in their groups.
**5. Performance and Feedback (10 minutes)**
- **Group Performance**: Bring the class together to perform the song with both singing and instrumental accompaniment.
- **Constructive Feedback**: Offer positive feedback and helpful suggestions for improvement.
**6. Reflection and Closure (5 minutes)**
- **Discussion**: Engage students in a brief discussion about what they enjoyed and what they found challenging.
- **Reinforce Learning**: Summarize the key points of the lesson.
- **Preview Next Lesson**: Provide a glimpse into what they will learn next.
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#### Assessment:
- **Observation**: Informally assess students during the warm-up, practice sessions, and group performance.
- **Participation**: Monitor student engagement and willingness to try techniques and instrumental parts.
- **Feedback**: Provide immediate constructive feedback to encourage improvement.
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#### Differentiation:
- **For Advanced Students**: Challenge them to take on a more complex instrument part or lead the singing group.
- **For Struggling Students**: Offer additional support and simplified parts or one-on-one guidance.
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#### Extensions:
- **Homework Assignment**: Encourage students to practice the song and create their own simple instrumental accompaniment at home using household items.
- **Future Projects**: Plan a class concert where students can showcase their singing and instrumental skills to family and friends.
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This lesson plan aims to build a strong foundation in both singing and instrumental performance through engaging and interactive activities tailored to the abilities and interests of 4th-grade students.