Music: Rain Stick Lesson Plan

Grade Level: This lesson is designed for grades three through six.

Objectives:

1. The students will be able to see the connection between the sounds of the rain forest and the rain stick.

2. The students will be able to use the resources they have to make their own rain stick and the sound of rain.
Concepts:

Students will be able to make this particular instrument and demonstrate how it is used. They will learn about the sounds of the rainforest.
Materials:

For this project you will need for each student: cardboard tube, pins, tape, rice and some items such as glitter and construction paper to decorate the finished rain stick.

Procedure:

1. Stick the pins through the cardboard tube in straight rows.

2. Put tape around the pins to secure them in place.

3. Tape one end of the tube shut.

4. Pour in a cup of rice, then tape the other side shut.

5. Decorate the rain stick.

Short term goal: Students will successfully follow directions and complete the project. They will also work together and be supportive of their classmates and their work.

Long term goal: This project serves as a hands-on approach to music that allows the students to be creative. Teachers provide students with a fun project that they could potentionally teach other students in the future.

Assessment: To assess students, the teacher should have the students explain, verbally or in writing, the purpose of this project. Students should be able to explain how they made the instrument.