Lesson Plan for 2nd Grade - Music - Singing in Harmony

### Lesson Plan: Singing in Harmony #### Grade Level: 2nd Grade #### Subject: Music #### Duration: 60 minutes --- ### Objectives: By the end of this lesson, students will: 1. Understand the concept of singing in harmony. 2. Learn and practice singing simple harmonized songs. 3. Develop listening skills to maintain their part while others sing different notes. 4. Experience the joy of creating music together as a group. #### Materials Needed: - Keyboard or piano - Whiteboard and markers - Lyrics and sheet music for a simple harmonized song (e.g., "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" as a round) - Audio recordings of harmonized songs (optional) - Handouts with lyrics and notes for students --- ### Lesson Outline: #### Introduction (10 minutes) 1. **Greeting and Warm-Up:** - Welcome students and start with a quick vocal warm-up (e.g., scales, humming). - Do some simple rhythm clapping exercises to engage students. 2. **Introduce the Concept of Harmony:** - Write the word "Harmony" on the board. - Explain that harmony happens when different notes are sung or played together to make a pleasing sound. - Play a few simple examples on the keyboard: - Play a single note and then a chord. - Demonstrate how the notes sound individually and how they combine. #### Main Activity (40 minutes) 1. **Learn a Harmonized Song:** - Distribute the lyrics and sheet music for "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." - Slowly go through the melody with the entire class using the keyboard to guide the pitch. 2. **Break into Groups:** - Divide students into small groups (e.g., Group A and Group B). - Assign each group a different part of the harmony. 3. **Practice in Sections:** - First, let Group A sing their part individually while the others listen. - Then, have Group B sing their part. - Once each group feels comfortable, bring them together to sing in harmony. 4. **Combine Groups:** - Start with one group and, after a few measures, bring in the second group. - Practice the harmonized section several times until students feel confident. 5. **Discuss Listening Skills:** - Explain the importance of listening to each other and staying on their own part. - Use the keyboard to play their notes while they sing to help them stay on pitch. 6. **Full Class Performance:** - Have the entire class come together to sing the song in harmony. - Provide feedback and give students another chance to sing. #### Conclusion (10 minutes) 1. **Reflection:** - Ask students how it felt to sing in harmony. - Discuss what was challenging and what they enjoyed. 2. **Review Key Points:** - Recap the importance of listening and staying on their part. - Congratulate students on their effort and progress. 3. **Closing Activity:** - Finish with a fun, simple song to cool down. - Reinforce the positive group experience. --- ### Assessment: - Informal observation of students' ability to sing their part in harmony. - Listening to individual and group performance for accuracy in pitch and rhythm. - Participation and effort during group activities. --- ### Extensions: - Assign students to find examples of harmony in their favorite songs to share in the next class. - Plan a mini-performance where students can sing their harmonized song for another class or for parents. --- ### Notes: - Adapt the level of detail and complexity based on students' progress and confidence. - Encourage a positive and supportive environment where students feel comfortable experimenting with their voices.