I'm as Free a Little Bird: Introduction to Syncopation - MakingMusicFun.net

Music Lesson Plan

Step 1
Introduce the music term syncopation. For younger students, it’s usually enough to describe it as a "jazzy rhythm." When they get older, you can dive deeper, but for now, let's keep it simple!

Step 2
Teach the song I'm as Free a Little Bird as a chant first. Learn it phrase by phrase until they know the words and rhythms, then introduce the melody.

Step 3
Write the syncopated rhythm on the board. Tell the class, "I’ll clap this rhythm for you first, then I’d like you to clap it back to me." Clap the rhythm and check for accuracy. Repeat until they’ve nailed it!

Step 4
Give them a challenge! Tell your students, "This jazzy rhythm happens several times in this song. While I perform the song, I want you to count how many times you hear it." Remind them they are counting the four-note pattern, not every individual note. Play the rhythm once more as a reminder, then perform the song.

Step 5
Check their answers! Ask the students, "How many times did I play that jazzy rhythm?" They should answer, "Four times!"

Step 6
Now it’s their turn to participate. Play the song again and have the students clap the syncopated rhythm every time it appears. No singing yet—just focus on the rhythm.

Step 7
Let's add the melody. Have the students sing and clap the syncopated rhythm at the same time. Check for understanding and repeat if they need another go.

Step 8
Introduce the Orff instruments. You can split the class in half. Ask one group to play the G chord (G-B) and the other half play the C chord (C-E).

Step 9
Teach the actions for the game. This is a great time to periodically quiz them on the rhythm or the term "syncopation" while they learn the dance.

Actions
Students stand in a circle with one student in the middle as the "Little Bird." As the class sings and claps the syncopated rhythm, the bird performs these moves:

I'm as free a little bird as I can be - Fly around the inner circle flapping wings.
I will build my nest - Stop, face a student, and form a circle with arms to make a nest.
In the sour apple tree - Use arms to make the branches of a tree.
Where those bad boys will never bother me - Shake index finger "No" while facing the student.

Step 10
Divide the class. Some students will be on instruments, and the others will perform the actions. Pick one or two new "birds" each round and rotate students through the instruments so everyone gets a turn!

If the homeroom teacher arrives while you're playing, invite them to join in.