Improvisation and Partner Assessment

The 2nd graders recently learned about improvisation. We created a rhythmic pattern, and then improvised a melody on the xylophones and metallophones using the pentatonic scale.

Then we discussed what things were important to do when improvising on the instruments. We decided on 5 things: steady beat, correct rhythm, mallets bounced off the bars, proper hand position, and the melody should end on 'C'. The students paired up and graded their classmates on these 5 things. It was great seeing them play teacher for the day. They gave positive feedback as well as constructive feedback.



Students on the left, teachers on the right.

Teachers on the left, students on the right.