Art Bite AgendaAlthea Jerome

Language Arts with a BEAT!

1. Explore the Rhythm of Texts

  • All read text sample together; repeat with emphasis on beat and accent
  • Tap out beat of text sample using two-finger clap
  • Tap rhythm of one line of text using two-finger clap to distinguish between beat and rhythm

2. Explore tapping the beat and rhythm of recorded music using chopsticks

  • Establish agreements and model gestures for performing with chopsticks:

> point chopsticks at the ceiling to listen to directions

> introduce sign cards for solo and group performances

> begin playing on the leader’s voice cue, i.e., one-two-ready-play

> show gestures for stop, getting louder, getting quieter

  • Perform text samples using chopsticks:

> tap the beat of a line of text for practice; give feedback to performers

> tap the beat of two to four lines of text; give feedback

> vary the tapping of beat to text, i.e., whole group, small group, etc.

> practice tapping rhythm of text; solo, whole group, small group, etc.

  • Perform on chopsticks with recorded music:

> give begin cue after the music introduction

> give cue for louder or quieter, if desired

> give cue for small group or solo, if desired

> give stop cue

> give feedback/reflect on the performance

> practice performing steady beat (whole group) and rhythms (whole group and/or solos)

> give feedback/reflect on performance

3. Combine performance of text and music

  • Review any cues/signs as necessary

> practice speaking text and performing beat separately

> speak text while keeping the beat with chopsticks

> speak text while tapping the rhythm of the words with chopsticks

> give feedback and review/rehearse any rough spots

4. Assess group participation/group reflection on combining rhythm and language

  • Evaluate levels of success or the need for additional practice
  • Ask session participants for suggestions or ideas they might try

Twenty-minute Session Monday, June 16, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.