Lesson Design

Madeline Hunter
Sample 3rd grade lesson plan: Listening lesson based on
form
Objectives:
1. Identify unpitched instruments and demonstrate correct playing technique.
2. Identify phrases as same or different.
3. Label same and different phrases/sections with ABA Coda, and realize that
musical pieces are made up of smaller sections.
4. Define form as the order of the parts of a song.
5. Define dynamics and dentify and perform dynamics In the Hall of the
Mountain King ( pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff).
6. Define tempo as the speed of the beat.
7. Demonstrate a steady beat while playing.
8. Perform patterns consisting of quarter notes, eighth notes, and quarter rests.
9. Define and perform fermata.
10. Define and perform accent.
11. Introduce the famous composer, Edvard Grieg, and listen and play to In the
Hall of the Mountain King.
Anticipatory Set: Who likes to explore new places, new things, etc? Discuss. What if
the new place was kind of creepy or scary? Would you still go exploring? In the
country of Norway (show on world map) there are many stories that people have
come to love about a mischievous boy by the name of Peer Gynt who loved to
explore. Im going to tell you a story called, In the Hall of the Mountain King.
State the Objective: Today we are going to listen to a piece called In the Hall of the
Mountain King and learn a little about the composer, Edvard Grieg. Then you are
going to perform the piece with rhythm instruments.
Input (Procedure):
Information about Edvard Grieg Norway 1843-1907
When he was a boy he loved the stories about Peer Gynt, he decided that he
would write music that would tell some of the stories. His favorite was In
the Hall of the Mountain King.
Before we listen to the piece, Im going to read you a book that you may
know, Where the Wild Thing Are. Read book.
Maurice Sendak knew about In the Hall of the Mountain King and may
have had Peer Gynt in mind when he wrote about Max. The book goes
exactly with the music. We are going to listen to the music.

Before we listen, think of the stories and predict how the music will sound.
Fast, slow, loud soft, smooth jagged. How will the music sound in the
beginning? In the middle? At the end?
I will show you the book as we listen. Think of both stories. See if your
predictions were correct. See if you can hear the story told by the music.
Listen to the piece while looking at the book.
Discuss above questions. Do you think that Edvard Grieg did a good job
telling the story in music?
Now you are going to play the song.

Modeling:
Model/review the correct way to hold and play the woodblock, tambourine,
and cymbal. Divide the children into 3 groups, 1 group receiving 1 of the
above instruments.
Display playing map of In the Hall of the Mountain King. Discuss how to read
map and model how to play the rhythms for each part. Include a
discussion/review of dynamics markings and how to play them.
(pp,p,mp,mf,f,ff,accent)
Review the term, form the order of the parts of a song. .Discuss the
form of the piece (Introduction,AABBAA Coda) and label each section after
deciding if the line is the same or different.
Check for Understanding (Monitor and Adjust):
Each group will perform their part alone (without the piece). Reteach if
there are any problems. Correct hand positions/playing positions as well as
addressing problems with playing the rhythm.
Guided Practice (Teacher is near to help):
Using a piano version (teacher records ahead of time) that is slower than the
orchestral version, students play each of the 3 parts along with the piece.
Teacher points to the rhythm patterns.
Switch 2 times so the students can do each instrument. Before playing with
CD, each group plays along to check playing positions and rhythm.
Independent Practice (Teacher steps back):
Students perform the piece using the orchestral version. This is faster so
requires mastery of rhythm. Teacher doesnt point to the patterns. Students
have to apply what they have learned to the new, faster recording.
Check for Understanding:
Observe students as they play above and determine who has not mastered
the rhythm.
Closure (Restate/Review):
Did you enjoy the piece, In the Hall of the Mountain King? Discuss

Who wrote the piece?

Where did he live?
About when did he live?
Raise your hand if you are curious about the music he wrote for the other
Peer Gynt stories.
What is form?