Music in the Open

Lesson Overview

This lesson brings KS1 and KS2 students into an outdoor environment to explore music creatively. The session focuses on the UK National Curriculum music standards, promoting musical expression, creativity, and joy through hands-on activities, singing, and an exploration of music as a form of therapy. Students will be encouraged to explore their freedom in creating soundscapes and enjoy the process of making music in nature.

Curriculum Links

• KS1: Use their voices expressively by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes.
• KS2: Improvise and compose music for a range of purposes using the interrelated dimensions of music.

Learning Objectives

• KS1: Students will sing expressively and participate in a call-and-response activity.
• KS2: Students will improvise with natural elements to create a unique soundscape.

Materials Needed

• Portable xylophones or glockenspiels
• Rhythm sticks or clappers
• A small selection of hand drums
• Natural materials (like sticks, leaves, stones)
• Blankets for sitting
• Clipboards with paper and pencils

Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

Gather & Brief

• Gather students in the outdoor space. Have them form a circle, sitting on blankets.
• Spend a moment listening to the natural sounds around.
• Briefly discuss how music is all around us and can be created from anything.

Warm-Up Activity (5 minutes)

Echo Singing

• Begin with an echo singing activity. Sing a simple melody and have students repeat after you.
• Encourage them to add actions or expressions to the melody.

Main Activity (20 minutes)

KS1: Singing and Instrument Exploration

1. Singing Circle (10 minutes)

   • Lead the students in a cheerful song related to nature (e.g., "The Green Grass Grows All Around").
   • Use rhythm sticks to tap on the ground in time with the music.

2. Nature Percussion (10 minutes)

   • Encourage students to explore the natural materials provided (e.g., sticks, leaves) to make sounds.
   • Demonstrate how rhythm patterns can be created using these materials.
   • Allow students time to experiment and create their rhythm.

KS2: Soundscape Composition

1. Nature Soundscape Creation (15 minutes)

   • Divide the students into small groups and provide each group with instruments and natural materials.
   • Ask them to walk around and find an area to set up their soundscape.
   • Give each group a theme related to nature (e.g., river, forest, garden).
   • Guide them to create a short, improvised composition using their surroundings, encouraging creativity.

2. Performance (5 minutes)

   • Reconvene and invite each group to perform their nature soundscape.
   • Encourage positive feedback and discussion on what they enjoyed.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

Reflection & Cooling Down

• Bring the group back together to sit in a circle.
• Finish with a soothing, short song that students can hum together.
• Reflect on how creating music in nature made them feel and what new sounds they enjoyed.
• Highlight how music can be a joyful and therapeutic tool.

Additional Notes

• Ensure sufficient supervision and boundary-setting in the outdoor area.
• Encourage students to listen and respect nature, explaining the importance of leaving no trace.
• Foster an environment that celebrates spontaneity and self-expression, reinforcing the lesson's overarching themes of creativity, freedom, and joy in music-making.

Assessment

• Observe student engagement and participation during singing and instrument exploration.
• Note collaborative efforts and creativity during soundscape creation and performance.
• Encourage self and peer reflection to reinforce learning outcomes.