Lesson #5: Egyptian Rhymes & Creating Sistrums

December 8th: Rhyme with Diction

For this lesson all of the students gathered in the back of the classroom and I read them a little rhyme on my white board. 

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Daddy caught a flea

Flea died Daddy cried

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After the students were familiar with the rhythm of the rhyme, I said the rhyme for the class again. The first time I used no diction at all (I mumbled!...which was a lot of what the class was already doing) and the second time I had great diction. The kids pointed out that they could understand what the words that second time. We talked about what diction is and how to have good diction--it is not necessarily talking louder, but it is using consonants in order to be clearly understood. The class said the rhyme several times, focusing on having clear diction. While we read the poem we also added some clapping and patting on the knees. Then I changed up the rhyme.

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Pharaoh bought a cat

Cat dad Pharaoh cried

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Again, the students repeated the poem. Each of the students then created their own words to fit into the rhythm of the poem. The students were asked to at least put in one Egyptian person, object, or idea. The class will perform some of these poems in our next lesson together! Here are two poems written by two students!

Creating an Ancient Egyptian Instrument:

Back in November we talked as a class about ancient Egyptian instruments. One of those instruments we looked at was what is called a sistrum--a kind of a percussion instrument. Today the class was able to begin making their very own sistrum (since sistrums aren't made or played regularly anymore). Our sistrums are slightly different (due to being homemade), but the kids will be able to use their sistrums in some songs we will learn later on! Today the students began by painting their instruments!

Music Standards Met: 

6.M.CR.2

6.M.P.10

6.M.P.4

Completed Sistrums: