Sometimes a fun educational activity may be the perfect fit for your lesson plans. Here’s an idea for using SmartMusic in your class on just such an occasion. It is a great way to review and have fun at the same time – and it doesn’t even require instruments.
Recommended Set-up:
- Computer connected to an LCD projector
- Speakers
- SmartMusic microphone attached to a music stand (the height is easily adjusted)
- Score board
In SmartMusic:
Select Exercises, double-click on Rhythm, and click Open. (The Rhythm Exercises will download to your computer if this is the first time that you have used them.) Then click the Clap button in the lower right corner of the Control Bar (circled in red below):
Procedure:
- Divide the class in half, select team names, and appoint a score keeper.
- Two students at a time come to the front of the room; one from each team.
- Determine who goes first by chance (i.e., flip of a coin) or by a music knowledge question.
- Student 1 faces the screen while student 2 faces away from the screen.
- The teacher selects a rhythm and presses Start take: Student 1 claps the rhythm into the microphone. Student 2 then claps the rhythm.
- The student who has the highest assessment score earns 1 point for their team.
- The team that earns the point has the honor of going first on the next try.
- The team with the most points wins.
- In case of a tie, each team can choose a player for the tie-breaker.
Tips:
- The students have to clap at the appropriate level for an accurate assessment: A student may perform the rhythm perfectly, but still get black notes and a lower score. Part of the game is to clap with a good sound.
- Set parameters for the students. For example, a penalty for either team interfering during the game may be beneficial.
I think you’ll find that the entire class is engaged with this activity; all students will be focused on the rhythms (and tapping along) – even when it’s not their turn.
Have fun coming up with your own variations. Please share them with us by leaving a comment below.