Pitch Lesson Plan - Year 5 Lesson 4

In the Year 5 Pitch Lesson 4, students are introduced to the solfa name and hand sign for the note 'Re', as they continue their exploration of pitch and the intervals between the solfa notes Do, Re, Mi, So, and La. The lesson aims to strengthen their ability to recognize and sing these intervals, focusing on the full pentatonic scale. The key vocabulary for this lesson includes the solfa names and the term 'pentatonic'. Resources required for the lesson are a whiteboard with pens and optional stave notation worksheets. The main activities involve rhythm and pitch pattern exercises with hand signs, silent singing patterns, and the introduction of the character Raymond, also known as Re, through songs and games like 'Hot Cross Buns'. The lesson also incorporates chanting, solo singing, and the use of hand signs to reinforce learning.

As part of the lesson, children get to engage in various musical exercises such as singing Mi Re Do patterns, performing silent singing patterns, and responding to Do Re Mi So La patterns with hand signs. They are encouraged to read notated rhythm and pitch patterns, perform individually, and compose their own patterns for the class to sing. The song 'Hot Cross Buns' is used as a practical application of the concepts taught, with students adding solfa notation and picking out the melody on chime bars. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the effectiveness of learning music through this method and its impact on singing in tune and transitioning to playing instruments. The teacher notes provide an explanation of the pentatonic scale and set the stage for the next lesson, where students will start applying their knowledge to playing instruments. The lesson aligns with the National Curriculum objectives, enhancing students' understanding of pitch and duration, singing, listening skills, musical notation, and instrument playing.