Our JK2 class embarked on an exciting journey into the world of rhythm! We first read the book, Max Found Two Sticks, by Brian Pinkney. It is the story of a boy who finds rhythm in the world around him using two sticks he found. Inspired by Max’s creativity, our class has been tapping, clapping, and drumming to various tempos after listening to the story.
Our exploration began with our students discovering different beats and rhythm patterns using rhythm sticks.
This led our class to learn about traditional African percussion instruments like the Djembe drum. The djembe is a West African drum that is often used for communication, storytelling and celebration. Our students were eager to try the drums, and did a fantastic job creating their unique rhythms on the Djembe!
We were fortunate to have two talented grade 6 students join us for a special bucket drumming demonstration. These students not only showcased their skills but also took the time to give a mini drumming lesson to some of our younger learners.
To wrap up our rhythmic adventure, we listened to an inspiring Ghanaian drumming ensemble and our students enjoyed playing along using the personal drums they created during craft time. It was a joyful and engaging way to honour Black History through music culture and hands-on learning!
Music is a powerful way to connect with history and culture. Through this experience, our students not only developed a love for rhythm but also gained an appreciation for the rich musical traditions of Afro-Caribbean music.
We were proud of our young musicians!