📖

Simple Gifts Shaker Tune

Advanced Recorder Techniques

Day 104of 180
Week 21of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Learn to play 'Simple Gifts' on the recorder

2

Understand the historical context of Shaker music

3

Practice musical simplicity as a spiritual discipline

📖 Scripture Connection

Matthew 18:4

“Whoever therefore humbles himself like this little child, is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

— Matthew 18:4 (WEB)

Connects to the Shaker song's theme of simplicity and humility

📦 Materials Needed

  • Recorder
  • BibleMouse Advanced Recorder Method Book
  • Sheet music for 'Simple Gifts'
  • Pencil
  • Music stand (optional)
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

Recall previous lesson's chromatic note techniques and introduce today's Shaker music exploration

💭 Review Question: What chromatic notes did we learn about yesterday?
2Teaching (8 min)

Introduce 'Simple Gifts' and Shaker musical tradition

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Shakers valued simplicity in life and music
  • The song represents humble living
  • Musical techniques for playing the melody
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What does simplicity mean to you?
  • How can music express spiritual ideas?
3Activity: Simple Gifts Recorder Performance (10 min)
instrument practice

Learn and practice playing 'Simple Gifts' on recorder

📝 Instructions:
  1. Review sheet music carefully
  2. Practice melody slowly
  3. Focus on clean note transitions
  4. Play through entire piece 3-4 times
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Practice first half of song only

Challenge: Add simple ornamentation to melody

4Closing (3 min)

Reflect on musical and spiritual lessons learned

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did you learn about Shaker music?
  • How does this song express humility?

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll practice 'Simple Gifts' as a duet with a family member

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Shaker music emerged from a Christian communal society valuing simplicity and worship

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage patience with new musical techniques
  • Celebrate small improvements
  • Connect musical practice to spiritual growth
🤔 Common Struggles:

Maintaining consistent breath and rhythm

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Smooth note transitions and musical expression

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research Shaker community history
  • Draw a picture illustrating the song's message of simplicity
  • Write a short reflection on what simplicity means

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 105 →Back to Music