1st Grade Explore Basic Instrument Families, Such As Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, And Keyboards, And Discuss Their Unique Characteristics. Lesson Plan Example

Topic: Instrument families

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to identify and name basic instrument families, such as strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and keyboards.
• Students will be able to describe the unique characteristics of each instrument family.

Materials

• Pictures or models of different instrument families (e.g. violin, flute, drum, piano)
• Markers or colored pencils
• Construction paper or plain paper
• Scissors
• Glue or glue stick

Warm-Up

• Show students a picture or model of a different instrument and ask them to guess what it is and what it is used for. For example, show a picture of a violin and ask, "What is this instrument? What do you think it is used for?" Allow students to share their guesses and thoughts.

Direct Instruction

• Show students pictures or models of different instruments from the different instrument families (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, keyboards).
• Discuss the unique characteristics of each family, such as the material the instruments are made of, their sizes and shapes, and the way they are played.
• If possible, have students try out the different instruments or at least listen to them to experience their sounds.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in small groups to identify the different instrument families and the unique characteristics of each.
• Encourage them to use the pictures or models as a resource.
• Have each group present their findings to the class and discuss any differences or similarities they discovered.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose one instrument family to research in further detail.
• Have them create a poster or presentation to share with the class their findings about the unique characteristics of their chosen instrument family.
• Encourage them to use the models or pictures as a resource.

Closure

• As a class, review the unique characteristics of each instrument family and discuss how they can be used in different kinds of music.
• Ask students to share their posters or presentations with the class.

Assessment

• Observe students during independent practice to ensure they are accurately representing the unique characteristics of an instrument family.
• Have students share their posters or presentations with the class, and use the opportunity to ask them questions about the instruments they have chosen and how they are used in music.