YC3/Week 11

Dear Young Child 3 Parent:

As we continue the study of Native American music, we are integrating the rhythmic concept of beat patterns. Drums and shakers, integral to Native American music, are ideal instruments for working with four-beat patterns. The children have now learned that four quarter notes equal four beats; two half notes equal four beats; one whole note equals four beats; and that there are many other note combinations that equal four beats.

Research shows that a number of short activities (for example, 10 five-minute activities) leads to more learning than one lengthy learning session. Cement your child’s learning by continuing to play beat pattern games at home during the week. And be sure to bring Activity Page 10 to class next week.

Lynda