📖

Haydn's Surprise Symphony

Music Appreciation: Classical Period

Day 83of 180
Week 17of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Identify key characteristics of Classical period music

2

Listen actively to Haydn's Surprise Symphony

3

Develop appreciation for musical creativity

📖 Scripture Connection

Psalm 95:1

“Oh come, let's sing to Yahweh. Let's shout aloud to the rock of our salvation!”

— Psalm 95:1 (WEB)

Just as Haydn created surprising musical moments, God delights in bringing joy and unexpected blessings to His children

📦 Materials Needed

  • Computer or music player
  • Haydn's Surprise Symphony recording
  • Notebook
  • Colored pencils
  • BibleMouse Listening Guide
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

Recap yesterday's lesson about Mozart and introduce today's musical adventure

💭 Review Question: What special thing did we learn about Mozart yesterday?
2Teaching (8 min)

Introduce Joseph Haydn and his famous Surprise Symphony

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Haydn was an important Classical period composer
  • The Surprise Symphony has a funny musical 'trick'
  • Classical music often tells a story through sound
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What do you think makes music 'surprising'?
  • How might music tell a story without words?
3Activity: Symphony Surprise Sketch (10 min)
listening activity

Listen to Haydn's Surprise Symphony and draw what you hear

📝 Instructions:
  1. Put on the symphony recording
  2. Listen carefully for surprising moments
  3. Draw pictures that represent the music's mood and surprises
  4. Circle your favorite unexpected musical moment
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Draw with fewer details, focus on colors

Challenge: Write a short story inspired by the music

4Closing (3 min)

Share drawings and discuss musical surprises

📝 Review Questions:
  • What surprised you about the music?
  • How did the music make you feel?

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll compare Classical and Baroque music styles

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Haydn's Surprise Symphony (Symphony No. 94 in G Major) features a sudden loud chord to wake up audience members who might have fallen asleep

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Play the symphony multiple times if needed
  • Encourage creative listening
  • Don't worry about perfect musical understanding
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find it hard to sit still during classical music

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Engagement, curiosity about musical sounds

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research more about Joseph Haydn using BibleMouse Resource Guide
  • Create a musical instrument using household items
  • Learn about other Classical period composers

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 84 →Back to Music