Creating Maracas

Curriculum Area

Music: Key Stage 2

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand and appreciate Brazilian Carnival music.
2. Engage in a creative activity by making a musical instrument.
3. Develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
4. Work collaboratively and respect each other's creations.

Resources Needed:

• Toilet paper rolls (1 per student)
• Markers (variety of colours)
• Decorative materials (stickers, sequins, glitter, etc.)
• Dried beans or rice
• Coloured tape or masking tape
• Scissors
• Glue

Outline

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1. Greeting (5 minutes)

Objective: Welcome students and introduce the lesson.

• Teacher: Greet the class warmly.
• Briefly review the day's lesson objectives.
• Explain that students will create their own maracas and explore the rhythms and sounds of Brazilian Carnival music.

2. Brazilian Carnival Songs Review (5 minutes)

Objective: Recall previous learning about Brazilian Carnival music.

• Teacher: Play a short segment of a Brazilian Carnival song.
• Question to Students: What instruments can you hear? How does the music make you feel?
• Activity: Ask students to share any prior knowledge or experiences they have with Carnival music.

3. Painting and Decorating the Toilet Paper Rolls (10 minutes)

Objective: Encourage creativity through decoration.

• Teacher to Students: Distribute toilet paper rolls, markers, and decorative materials.
• Instructions:
  • Paint and decorate your toilet paper roll using markers and other decorative materials.
  • Make your maraca look festive and colourful just like the Brazilian Carnival!
• Tip: Encourage students to be as creative as they like and respect their peers' creativity.

4. Building the Maracas (15 minutes)

Objective: Assemble the maraca using materials provided.

• Teacher to Students: Demonstrate how to assemble the maraca.
• Instructions:
  • Take your decorated toilet paper roll and cover one end with tape.
  • Fill the roll halfway with dried beans or rice.
  • Securely tape the other end so nothing spills out.
  • Optional: Add more decorations if time allows.
• Activity: Walk around the room assisting students and ensuring their maracas are securely built.

5. Resting and Reflection (5 minutes)

Objective: Reflect on the activity and rest.

• Teacher to Students: Invite students to sit down and gently shake their maracas.
• Question to Students: How do your maracas sound? What did you enjoy the most about making them?
• Activity: Play another segment of a Brazilian Carnival song and encourage students to play along with their new maracas.

Plenary

• Summarise key learning points of the lesson.
• Praise students for their creativity and participation.
• Briefly hint at next week's musical exploration.

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This lesson plan aligns with the UK Key Stage 2 curriculum, specifically the music area, where students learn to play and create musical instruments, understanding and experimenting with sounds and rhythms. This engaging lesson helps develop both their musical and fine motor skills in an enjoyable and culturally enriching way.