Instrumental Lesson Plan - Reception Lesson 2

The second lesson in the instrumental series for Reception children is designed to develop their ability to play un-tuned instruments with precision, responding to various cues such as gestures, symbols, and specific words. The key vocabulary for this lesson includes terms like 'start', 'stop', 'tap', 'shake', 'scrape', and 'ring', which are essential for following the instructions given during the activities. The resources required for this lesson include a set of instruments categorised into tappers, shakers, scrapers, and bells, a large drum, symbol cards, and the option of using lively recorded music to maintain a steady pulse.

The main activities of the lesson involve a series of interactive games and songs that encourage children to engage with their instruments. These include the Drum Game, where children follow along with a track, and the Start/Stop Game, which teaches them to play their instruments in response to cues. They also experience changes in tempo with the Start and Stop the Drum game, learning to adapt their playing speed to the drum's pulse. Further exercises, such as Clap and Play on Chosen Beats and singing 'Johnny Plays with One Hammer', help to refine their rhythmic skills. The lesson concludes with the Instrument and Symbol Game, reinforcing their ability to associate symbols with actions, and a tidy-up song, 'Put Them Back So They Don't Crack', to encourage careful handling of the instruments. The plenary session features the playful 'I Wiggle My Fingers' track, providing a gentle wind-down after the lesson's activities.