Continuing on 3rd-4th curriculum

Today I searched for the Essential Elements method book for Recorder, and discovered that it exists! Although I was only able to view a few pages, it looks like a valuable addition to the curriculum. Continuing from my previous post about 5th grade students and band instruments, this book seems to address notes and rhythms in the exact format that they will be presented on instruments.

Getting a little bit more into the details of the curriculum, I would say that the beginning of the first quarter would include a unit that reviewed notes and rhythms using a variety of materials and activities such as worksheets, movement, barred instruments, non-pitched percussion, and technology. Immediately following this unit, the students would receive recorders and the Essential Elements book, which would be used throughout the rest of the year. The thought comes to mind about partnering 4th grade students with 3rd grade students, essentially allowing the older students to tutor the younger students. If the 2nd year students are bored by the repetition ("We already did this!") and are not consoled by the idea of helping a 1st year student, an alternative book could be used on alternating years (such as Standard of Excellence). Advanced books could be provided for students who excel at music. The current curriculum (GamePlan) only offers about 16 tunes over the course of the year, and I think that the students would really benefit from the 120 offered in Essential Elements. The books are also very affordable.

Just to put an idea out there, there are 40 weeks in the school year, 10 in each quarter. After the note and rhythm review in weeks 1 and 2, the students would begin on the recorder. During weeks 3, 4, and 5 (up to the first midterm), students would learn and review the basics of playing the recorder. This includes playing positions, finger positions, air stream and tongue, etc. After the first midterm, recorders would be available for students to buy, and Essential Element books could be sent home. Using one of the two days per week, perhaps Thursdays, the students would spend some time learning 3 or 4 songs from the book. They could partner and work on their own, or we could spend time as a class going through each song together. Students would be required to bring their books on Thursday, and they could bring them home over the weekend. The goal would be to reach the end of the book by the end of the year. Other objectives include learning to play and read notation, consistently practicing, responsibility for bringing materials, and learning repertoire.

One final remark - recorder in 3rd-4th grade needs to be balanced with other elements of the curriculum, including: singing and solfege, music appreciation and repertoire, music theory and vocabulary, movement and dance, performance, and composition.