Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Tempo (Andante, Allegro, Largo) - Grade 1 - Activity 3

Subject Area

Arts Education

Grade(s)

1

Overview

Students will perform a simple circle dance to the tune "Mary Had A Little Lamb" in three tempos, andante, largo, and allegro.

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

    Arts Education (2017) Grade(s): 1 - Music

    AE17.MU.1.8

    Demonstrate knowledge of music concepts in music from a variety of cultures selected for performance.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:AE17.MU.1.8

    Vocabulary

    Rhythm
    • Quarter note, quarter rest, paired eighth notes
    • Strong/ weak beat
    • Steady beat/ rhythm
    • Allegro/ adagio
    Melody
    • Pitch set: Mi, So, La
    • Steps/ skips/ repeated notes
    • Melodic direction
    • Modified staff
    • Line notes and space notes
    Harmony/ texture
    • Rhythmic ostinati
    • Simple bordun
    Form
    • AB, ABA
    Expression
    • Legato, staccato
    • Piano (p), forte (f)
    • Classroom instrument classifications
    • Clarinet, trombone, cello, drum
    • Orchestral music: ballet
    • Non-Western music celebrations
    Other
    • Proper singing posture
    • Age-appropriate pitch matching (C4 - C5)1
    • Mallet/ drumming technique — hands together

    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
    • Sing or play music with attention to expressive elements such as dynamics and articulation
    • Perform music from a variety of cultural traditions, focusing on holidays and special days.
    Creating
    • Create new verses for familiar songs.
    • Use manipulatives or movement to inform melodic contour.
    Reading/ Writing
    • Write rhythmic phrases that include quarter notes and paired eighth notes using standard or iconic notation.
    • Read rhythmic phrases containing quarter notes, quarter rests, and paired eighth notes using standard or iconic notation.
    • Indicate melodic contour using manipulatives such as yarn, or by drawing lines that reflect the melodic contour.
    • Identify expressive markings in printed music.
    Responding/ Evaluating
    • Determine the appropriate dynamics and articulation for different types of music (ex.
    • March = staccato, forte; lullaby = legato, piano).

    Anchor Standards

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

    Phase

    During/Explore/Explain
    Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    Students will demonstrate knowledge of the music concept, tempo, by demonstrating andante, allegro, and largo in a simple circle dance.

    Activity Details

    1. This activity is third in a series on tempo. It is assumed that students have prior knowledge of the tempos andante, allegro, and largo.

    2. Play the video "Mary Had A Little Lamb". Ask students to move around the room to the beat of the music. Students should be moving at a walking speed. Ask them what tempo they think the song is in. Students should respond, "andante". If not, review the characteristics of the three tempos:

    • Andante - walking speed
    • allegro - fast
    • largo - slow

    3. Using the settings on YouTube (gear icon), decrease the speed of the video to 0.5. Ask students to move around the room again. Ask them what has changed about the tempo. Repeat, increasing the speed to 1.5. You may choose to do only one verse during this section of the activity.

    4. Form a circle with your students. Teach them this simple circle dance.

    • Walk right for 8 counts.
    • Walk left for 8 counts.
    • Move forward for 4 counts.
    • Move back for 4 counts.
    • Free dance during interludes.

    5. Perform the dance with the video set at normal speed.

    6. Perform again with the speed set to 0.5.

    Ask students to describe how the tempo change affected their dance.

    7. Repeat with the speed set to 1.5.

    Assessment Strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    Observe students' ability to move to and identify different tempos. Reteach as necessary.

    Variation Tips

    You can choose other songs to use for this activity.

    If you do not want to use the video, you can sing the song instead.

    You can make up your own circle dance or do the movement in a line instead of a circle.

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

    Teach students about andante, allegro, and largo.

    You will need a projector or interactive whiteboard and speakers to play to play the video.

    Digital Tools / Resources

    ALSDE LOGO