Comparing Like and Unlike Phrases

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Arts Education

Grade(s)

K

Overview

Students will compare like and unlike musical phrases using the online Comparing Game. The game gives two balloons that when clicked play a musical phrase. Students must click whether the two phrases are the same or different. The game progresses until students reach 100%.

This activity was created as a result of the Arts COS Resource Development Summit.

Phase

After/Explain/Elaborate
Arts Education (2017) Grade(s): KG - Music

AE17.MU.K.8

Explore and achieve awareness of music contrasts in a variety of music selected for performance.

UP:AE17.MU.K.8

Vocabulary

Rhythm
  • Steady beat
  • Long/ Short
  • One and two sounds per beat
  • Silent beat
Melody
  • High and low
  • Pitch set: So, Mi
  • Musical alphabet
Harmony
  • Accompaniment/ no accompaniment
Form
  • Like and unlike phrases
  • Echo
Expression
  • Speak, sing, shout, whisper
  • Solo/ Group
  • Unpitched percussion
  • Flute, trumpet, violin, piano
  • Loud/ Soft
  • Fast/ Slow
Other
  • Age-appropriate audience and performer etiquette

Essential Questions

EU: Analyzing creators' context and how they manipulate elements of music provides insight into their intent and informs performance.
EQ: How does understanding the structure and context of musical works inform performance?

Skills Examples

Performing
  • Demonstrate same and different (e.g., fast/slow, loud/soft, high/low and long/short).
  • Demonstrate a steady beat and maintain it while performing.
  • Sing using head voice and appropriate posture.
  • Play a variety of classroom instruments, alone and with others, and demonstrate proper technique.
Creating
  • Create a wide variety of vocal and instrumental sounds.
Reading/ Writing
  • Explore connections between sound and its visual representation.
Responding/ Evaluating
  • Move to music of various and contrasting styles, composers and cultures.
  • Demonstrate audience behavior appropriate for the context and style of music performed.

Anchor Standards

Anchor Standard 4: Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.

Learning Objectives

Students will listen to two musical phrases and determine if the phrases are the same or different.

Activity Details

The students will show understanding of like and unlike musical phrases using the Comparing Game.

  1. Pull up the Comparing Game online.
  2. Using an interactive whiteboard or computer projection, touch each balloon to listen to the musical phrases.
  3. Let students take turns identifying if the phrases are the same or different.
  4. Click the appropriate selection on the game. You may choose to let students interact directly with the game if you have an interactive board.
  5. If a student is incorrect, the game will ask them to try again before moving on to the next example.
  6. Once the game is complete, you can choose to play it again.
  7. Play the game as many times as needed so that all students have a chance to demonstrate knowledge of like and unlike phrases.

Assessment Strategies

Use a checklist to keep a record of students who do not identify the correct answer while playing the game. Give those students time to try the activity again.

Variation Tips

This activity can easily be used as a center activity on a separate computer for individual or groups of students to complete.

Background / Preparation

Discuss, demonstrate, and perform like and unlike musical phrases with your students prior to this activity.

Make sure that the website is working and ready to play with students.

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