Hey teachers! Susie Riddell, your pBuzz ambassador, is ready to guide you through a dino-mite journey into the world of dynamics with our Dinosaurs topic. Yes, it's episode four of the pBuzz Primary Resources series!
These free educational resources are designed to give classroom teachers without prior knowledge of music the chance to teach kids in Key Stage 1 using pBuzz, the beginner brass instrument. These video episodes with Susie give you an overview of the five lessons in the Dinosaur topic, centered around dynamics.
If you're an educator from outisde England and Wales, there are still plenty of fun resources to sink your dino-teeth into, including backing tracks, worksheets, and more!
Before we stomp into the lessons, be sure to take a gander at the planning docs for a heads-up.
Dynamics – they're the volume buttons of music. We're talking about how loud (forte) or quiet (piano) a tune can be. But we're keeping those Italian terms in the time capsule for now. Instead, we're focusing on the basics: loud and quiet. Just a note: be prepared for mix-ups between pitch and volume – it's a common Jurassic error!
Lesson Breakdown: From Stomping Sounds to Controlled Crescendos
1. Exploring Dynamics with Hands: Lesson one is all about understanding dynamics visually. We've got special hand movements to represent loud and quiet. This visual cue will help you gauge who's got a grip on dynamics and who might need an extra nudge.
2. Learning Stomp, Stomp, Stomp Around: In lesson two, get ready to belt out the dinosaur anthem Stomp, Stomp, Stomp Around. It's a fantastic way to introduce dynamic changes in a song. Think roaring T-Rexes and sneaky Velociraptors!
3. Creating Dinosaur Surprise: Lesson three is where the roar really happens. It's about crafting a musical piece that's mostly quiet, but then – surprise – a loud dinosaur appears! Tip: give a heads-up to nearby classes unless you want to startle other teachers into the Stone Ages!
4. Singing and Playing with Control: Now, it's about refining those dynamic skills in lesson four. It's time to teach that dynamics aren't about shouting or whispering, but about control. This lesson is crucial for developing a nuanced understanding of volume changes.
5. Consolidating Learning with a Challenge: The grand finale in lesson five is to synchronise with the backing track without the guide. It's a leap, but even if it feels like a meteor crash, it's a valuable learning experience. Remember, it's about the journey, not just the destination.
That's it! You're equipped to lead your class through a dynamic exploration of the Mesozoic era with pBuzz. Don't worry about being a singing superstar yourself – it's all about guiding the little ones through a landscape where loud and quiet coexist, just like in a dino-filled world.