Discovering Amerindians

Overview

Grade Level: Kindergarten Year 1
Subject: Music
Curriculum Area: Understanding Native Cultures through Artistic Expression
Duration: 5 Minutes
Standards Alignment: Aligns with US education standards for Kindergarten music education by developing awareness of cultural music, rhythm, and creative movement.

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, students will have a basic understanding of Amerindian culture through music, rhythmic clapping, and movement.

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Materials

• A handheld frame drum or tambourine (if available)
• Rhythm sticks or classroom-safe wooden spoons (1 per student)
• Pre-prepared audio clip or teacher-led vocal of a simple Native drumming rhythm (steady 1-2 beat)

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Preparation

1. Familiarize yourself with a simple Native American drum pattern that features a steady beat (1-2 or “dum-da, dum-da”).
2. Arrange the students in a circle to create a welcoming and inclusive space to participate.

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Lesson Steps

1. Introduction (1 Minute)

• Begin with enthusiasm by saying:
  “Today we’re going to talk about Amerindians, the first people to live in America. They used music to tell stories and celebrate. Let’s make music just like they did!”
• Hold up the drum (or clap gently) and say:
  “The drum was very special to them. It sounds like a heartbeat because they believed music connects everything around us.”

2. Listen and Feel the Beat (1 Minute)

• Play or perform the “dum-da, dum-da” drum rhythm using the tambourine or vocal clapping.
• Say:
  “Close your eyes for just a moment. Can you feel how steady the rhythm is? Tap gently on your knees to the beat.”
• Encourage the students to join in tapping on their knees.

3. Interactive Rhythm Play (2 Minutes)

• Hand out rhythm sticks or wooden spoons.
• Teach the students to mimic the “dum-da, dum-da” beat. Start slowly by saying:
  “Let’s play this together. One stick goes tap-tap like this, and the other taps back like this. Let’s do it together!”
• Encourage them to keep a steady rhythm, adding:
  “Now imagine we are all part of a big Amerindian celebration. Everyone is dancing and moving together!”

4. Celebrate with Movement (1 Minute)

• Say:
  “Now let’s move to this beat! Pretend you’re a bird or an animal in the forest, just like an Amerindian celebration. You can flap your wings or shake your hands while we play!”
• Lead the group in gentle movements or simple stomping to the drumbeat while maintaining the rhythm.

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Closing

• Bring the group back to a seated position and say:
  “Amazing job today! We learned how music helps tell stories and bring people together, just like the Amerindians did. Round of applause for everyone!”

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Assessment Criteria

• Participation: Students actively attempt to clap, play, or move along with the rhythm.
• Engagement: Students demonstrate excitement and creativity when using instruments or participating in movement.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For visual learners, show a simple picture of an Amerindian drum before starting.
• For students with sensory sensitivity, let them use soft tapping with their hands instead of sticks.

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Extension Idea for the Week

• Revisit this drum rhythm during transitions or clean-up time to reinforce the pattern.
• Introduce similar cultural rhythms or add a sing-along phrase to deepen cultural appreciation.

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This fun, interactive lesson introduces young children to Amerindian culture in an accessible, engaging format while meeting curriculum objectives for rhythm and cultural understanding. It’s short, sweet, and leaves a lasting impression on little learners!