Grade 3 · Music

Move alone or with others to a varied repertoire of music using gross motor, fine motor, locomotor, and non-locomotor skills and integrated movement such as hands and feet moving

Quarter 2 · Week 6 · TEKS

Standards Alignment

  • TEKS.MUSIC.3.03C primary
    move alone or with others to a varied repertoire of music using gross motor, fine motor, locomotor, and non-locomotor skills and integrated movement such as hands and feet moving together;
  • TEKS.MUSIC.3.03D primary
    perform simple part work, including rhythmic and melodic ostinati, derived from known repertoire; and

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Lesson Overview

This Grade 3 music lesson helps students develop their ability to move alone or with others to different types of music. Students will practice using gross motor skills (large body movements), fine motor skills (small precise movements), locomotor skills (moving the body from one place to another), and non-locomotor skills (moving parts of the body without changing location). They will also learn to coordinate integrated movements such as moving hands and feet together. Additionally, students will perform simple rhythmic and melodic parts derived from known music, supporting their creative expression and ensemble skills.

Learning Objectives

  • Move alone or with others to a variety of music using gross motor, fine motor, locomotor, and non-locomotor skills, including integrated movements like moving hands and feet together.
  • Perform simple part work including rhythmic and melodic ostinati derived from known repertoire.

Success Criteria

  • Students demonstrate different types of movements (gross motor, fine motor, locomotor, non-locomotor) to music both alone and with others.
  • Students coordinate integrated movements such as moving hands and feet together in time with music.
  • Students perform simple rhythmic and melodic parts (ostinati) accurately as part of a group or individually.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should be familiar with basic body movements and simple rhythms. They should have experience listening to music and responding with movement or sound.

Key Vocabulary

  • Gross motor skills
  • Fine motor skills
  • Locomotor skills
  • Non-locomotor skills
  • Integrated movement
  • Rhythmic ostinato
  • Melodic ostinato
  • Repertoire

Materials and Resources

  • Audio recordings of varied music repertoire suitable for Grade 3
  • Open space for movement
  • Classroom percussion instruments (e.g., hand drums, shakers, rhythm sticks)
  • Visual aids showing different types of movements
  • Recording device or video camera (optional)

Teacher Preparation

  • Prepare a playlist of varied music pieces with different tempos and styles.
  • Review examples of gross motor, fine motor, locomotor, and non-locomotor movements to demonstrate.
  • Prepare simple rhythmic and melodic ostinati based on known repertoire for students to perform.
  • Arrange the classroom or space to allow safe movement for all students.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Understanding Motor Skills in Music Movement

Gross motor skills involve large movements using arms, legs, or the whole body, such as jumping, running, or swaying. Fine motor skills involve smaller, precise movements, such as finger snapping or tapping fingers. Locomotor skills are movements that transport the body from one place to another, like walking, skipping, or hopping. Non-locomotor skills involve movement without changing location, such as bending, twisting, or stretching. Integrated movement combines different motor skills, for example, moving hands and feet together in rhythm.

Applying Motor Skills to Music

When students move to music, they can use these motor skills to express the rhythm, tempo, and mood of the piece. For example, a fast tempo might inspire quick locomotor movements like skipping, while a slow tempo might invite non-locomotor movements like slow swaying. Integrated movements help develop coordination and timing, such as clapping hands while tapping feet to the beat.

Performing Rhythmic and Melodic Ostinati

An ostinato is a simple rhythmic or melodic pattern repeated throughout a piece. Performing ostinati helps students develop ensemble skills and understand musical structure. Rhythmic ostinati focus on repeated rhythm patterns, while melodic ostinati involve repeating a short melody. Students can perform these parts alone or in groups, supporting the main melody or rhythm.

Combining Movement and Part Work

Students can combine movement with performing ostinati to deepen their musical understanding. For example, while one group performs a rhythmic ostinato on percussion instruments, another group moves using locomotor skills to the music. This integration encourages listening, timing, and cooperation.

Common Misconceptions

- Movement must be large and fast to be effective; in fact, slow and small movements are equally important for musical expression. - Integrated movements are only for advanced students; all students can practice coordinating hands and feet at their own pace. - Ostinati are too difficult for young learners; simple repeated patterns can be accessible and fun.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Scenario

A student is asked to move to a slow, calm piece of music. Which type of movement would best fit this music: jumping (gross motor), finger tapping (fine motor), walking around the room (locomotor), or swaying side to side without moving location (non-locomotor)?

Explanation

Slow, calm music usually invites gentle, controlled movements. Swaying side to side without changing location is a non-locomotor movement that matches the mood and tempo well. Jumping or walking might be too energetic, and finger tapping is very small and might not express the music fully.

Answer Guide

The best movement is swaying side to side, a non-locomotor movement.

Worked Example 2

Scenario

Students are performing a rhythmic ostinato by clapping a simple repeated pattern while moving their feet in a steady march. What motor skills are they using?

Explanation

Clapping uses fine motor skills (small hand movements), and marching uses locomotor skills (moving the feet to transport the body). Coordinating these together is an example of integrated movement.

Answer Guide

They are using fine motor skills (clapping) and locomotor skills (marching), combined as integrated movement.

Engage

Teacher Activity

Play a short piece of lively music and ask students to listen carefully and notice how their bodies want to move.

Student Activity

Students respond by moving freely to the music using any body parts they choose.

Explanation

This activity helps students connect their natural impulses to move with the music and prepares them to explore different types of movement.

Examples

  • Students move in various ways, showing different motor skills.
  • Some students try moving hands and feet together.
  • Students show excitement or engagement with the music.

Explore

Teacher Activity

Demonstrate examples of gross motor, fine motor, locomotor, and non-locomotor movements. Invite students to imitate each type.

Student Activity

Students practice each type of movement individually and then in small groups, experimenting with moving hands and feet together.

Explanation

This phase builds students' awareness and control of different motor skills and integrated movements in response to music.

Examples

  • Students imitate the teacher's movements accurately.
  • Students try combining hand and foot movements.
  • Students begin to coordinate movements with the music's beat.

Explain

Teacher Activity

Explain the definitions of gross motor, fine motor, locomotor, non-locomotor, and integrated movements. Show how these can be used to move to music.

Student Activity

Students repeat the definitions and give examples of each type of movement.

Explanation

Clear definitions help students understand the types of movements they are practicing and how they relate to music performance.

Examples

  • Students can define each motor skill type.
  • Students provide examples of movements.
  • Students understand the concept of integrated movement.

Elaborate

Teacher Activity

Introduce simple rhythmic and melodic ostinati from known repertoire. Lead students in performing these parts on classroom instruments or vocally.

Student Activity

Students perform the ostinati individually and in groups, then add movement using the motor skills learned.

Explanation

Combining part work with movement reinforces musical skills and coordination, supporting creative expression.

Examples

  • Students perform ostinati accurately.
  • Students coordinate movement and playing/singing.
  • Students demonstrate listening and timing skills.

Evaluate

Teacher Activity

Observe students as they move and perform ostinati. Ask students to reflect on their ability to coordinate movement and music.

Student Activity

Students demonstrate movements and part work, then discuss what was easy or challenging.

Explanation

Assessment through observation and reflection helps identify student progress and areas needing support.

Examples

  • Students demonstrate a variety of motor skills in time with music.
  • Students perform ostinati with reasonable accuracy.
  • Students articulate their experiences and challenges.

Classroom Activity

Students practice each type of movement individually and then in small groups, experimenting with moving hands and feet together.

Guided Practice

Guided Practice 1

Prompt

Name one example of a gross motor skill you can use to move to music.

Teacher Answer Guide

Jumping or running.

Guided Practice 2

Prompt

Explain the difference between locomotor and non-locomotor movements.

Teacher Answer Guide

Locomotor movements move the body from one place to another, like walking; non-locomotor movements move parts of the body without changing location, like bending.

Guided Practice 3

Prompt

If you are asked to perform a rhythmic ostinato by tapping a steady beat while moving your hands and feet together, which motor skills are you using?

Teacher Answer Guide

Fine motor skills (tapping) and integrated movement (moving hands and feet together).

Guided Practice 4

Prompt

Why is it important to practice moving hands and feet together when performing music?

Teacher Answer Guide

It helps improve timing, rhythm, and coordination, making the music performance more accurate and expressive.

Guided Practice 5

Prompt

Describe how you could combine a melodic ostinato with locomotor and non-locomotor movements in a group performance.

Teacher Answer Guide

One group performs the melodic ostinato while another group moves around using locomotor skills and a third group moves in place using non-locomotor skills, all coordinated to the music.

Independent Practice

  1. Foundational: Name one example of a gross motor skill you can use to move to music.
  2. Developing: Explain the difference between locomotor and non-locomotor movements.
  3. Application: If you are asked to perform a rhythmic ostinato by tapping a steady beat while moving your hands and feet together, which motor skills are you using?
  4. Analysis: Why is it important to practice moving hands and feet together when performing music?
  5. Challenge: Describe how you could combine a melodic ostinato with locomotor and non-locomotor movements in a group performance.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

  1. 1. An example is jumping or running.
  2. 2. Locomotor movements move the body from one place to another, like walking; non-locomotor movements move parts of the body without changing location, like bending or twisting.
  3. 3. You are using fine motor skills (tapping with hands) and integrated movement (moving hands and feet together).
  4. 4. Because coordinating hands and feet helps improve timing, rhythm, and overall musical coordination, making performances more accurate and expressive.
  5. 5. One group could sing or play the melodic ostinato repeatedly while another group moves around the space using locomotor movements like walking or skipping, and a third group performs non-locomotor movements like swaying or stretching in place, all coordinated to the music.

Guiding Questions

  • What types of movements can you use to express this music?
  • How do your hands and feet move together in time with the beat?
  • What is a rhythmic ostinato? How does it help the music?
  • How can moving while playing music help you understand the rhythm better?

Common Misconceptions

  • Movement to music must always be large and fast to be effective.
  • Integrated movements are too difficult for young learners.
  • Ostinati are complicated and not suitable for Grade 3 students.

Differentiation

Support and Intervention

Provide visual cues or demonstrations for each type of movement. Allow students to practice movements slowly before increasing speed. Use simple rhythmic patterns for ostinati and gradually increase complexity.

English-Language Learner Support

Use clear, simple language and gestures to explain motor skills. Demonstrate movements multiple times with visual aids. Pair English learners with peers for modeling and support.

Advanced and Extension

Challenge students to create their own rhythmic or melodic ostinati. Encourage students to choreograph a short movement sequence integrating multiple motor skills. Have students lead small group performances combining movement and part work.

Assessment

  • Observe students performing different motor skills to music and provide feedback.
  • Ask students to explain the difference between locomotor and non-locomotor movements.
  • Have students perform a simple rhythmic ostinato while moving their hands and feet together.
  • Name one type of movement you used today and explain how it matched the music.
  • Perform a short rhythmic pattern while moving in place.
  • Describe what an ostinato is and how you performed it.
  • Perform a group piece combining rhythmic ostinati and coordinated movements.
  • Create and perform a short movement sequence using gross motor and fine motor skills to a chosen piece of music.

Answer Guide

  • Name one example of a gross motor skill you can use to move to music.
    Answer: Jumping or running.
  • Explain the difference between locomotor and non-locomotor movements.
    Answer: Locomotor movements move the body from one place to another, like walking; non-locomotor movements move parts of the body without changing location, like bending.
  • If you are asked to perform a rhythmic ostinato by tapping a steady beat while moving your hands and feet together, which motor skills are you using?
    Answer: Fine motor skills (tapping) and integrated movement (moving hands and feet together).
  • Why is it important to practice moving hands and feet together when performing music?
    Answer: It helps improve timing, rhythm, and coordination, making the music performance more accurate and expressive.
  • Describe how you could combine a melodic ostinato with locomotor and non-locomotor movements in a group performance.
    Answer: One group performs the melodic ostinato while another group moves around using locomotor skills and a third group moves in place using non-locomotor skills, all coordinated to the music.

Real-Life Application

Invite students to teach a family member one type of movement and a simple rhythmic pattern they learned in class. Encourage them to move together to a favorite song at home.

Homework or Home Connection

  • Invite students to teach a family member one type of movement and a simple rhythmic pattern they learned in class. Encourage them to move together to a favorite song at home.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students learned to move alone and with others to a variety of music using different motor skills: gross motor, fine motor, locomotor, and non-locomotor. They practiced integrated movements like moving hands and feet together to develop coordination. Students also performed simple rhythmic and melodic ostinati, helping them understand musical structure and teamwork. These skills support creative expression and musical performance in both informal and formal settings.

Teacher Notes

Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.

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