Drum Circle

One of my favorite units all year is African Drums.  In previous years, I have done this unit with third and fourth grades.  This year I decided to try it in second grade and it went very well.  Next year I would like to add a singing component to the unit, but this year I focused on correct technique and playing as a group.  I also used Drum Circle videos from YouTube to give my students ideas on what or how to play.  My school has the Remo Children's African Drums.  As a percussionist, I realize they are not of the highest quality, but they serve their purpose and they stay within my budget constraints and limited storage space.  I have found this unit to be extremely useful in reenforcing listening skills, playing as a group and practicing being respectful.

Teaching Points
1.  The importance of listening.
2.  Picking out one classmate and trying to make their rhythm sound better.
3.  Working as a team.
4.  The different roles of each drum.
5.  Dynamics
6.  African Drum History (Focus on the respect for the instrument.)
7.  Oral Tradition
8.  Tempo and Steady Beat (I explain it to my younger students as a clock.)

Teaching Activities
1.  Follow the Leader (Rumble)
2.  Echo
3.  Jam-Student decided rhythms
4.  Groove-Teacher given rhythms (2+ sections, depending on group ability)
5.  Student Leaders (2 groups, leader taps the air when they want their group to play.)
6.  Reading and playing rhythms

Music Standards
Standard #2:  Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
Standard #5:   Reading and notating music.
Standard #6:  Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
Standard #8:  Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
Standard #9:  Understanding music in relation to history and culture.