Grade 4 Creative Arts & Sports Study Notes

Creating and Executing

In Grade 3, you learned about string instruments — instruments with strings you pluck or bow.

In Grade 4, you will learn about percussion instruments — instruments you hit, shake, or pluck to make sound.

This sub-strand has three parts:

1. Learn about percussion instruments from Kenyan communities.
2. Create rhythmic patterns on these instruments.
3. Draw a percussion instrument using charcoal.

What is a Percussion Instrument?

A percussion instrument is a musical instrument that makes sound when you hit, shake, scrape, rub, or clap it.

When you hit or shake it, a part of it vibrates (moves back and forth quickly). The vibration makes the sound you hear.

Indigenous Kenyan Percussion Instruments

Indigenous means "from a local community." Indigenous Kenyan percussion instruments are made and played by Kenyan communities using traditional methods.

Different communities make different instruments. Each one has a special name, shape, and way of being played.

Identifying Instruments by Name and Community

You can identify a percussion instrument by its name and the community that plays it.

Method of Playing — Hitting

Some percussion instruments are played by hitting them. You can hit them with your hands or with sticks.

Examples:

• Marimba — hit the wooden slabs with two knobbed sticks
• Mabumbumbu — hit the drums with your hands
• Bul — hit with hands
• Chapuo — hit with hands or sticks

Method of Playing — Shaking

Some percussion instruments are played by shaking them. Inside or on them are seeds, pebbles, or rings that make sound when moved.

Examples:

• Kayamba — shake the gourd rattle
• Ibirandi — shake the two joined gourds
• Puga — shake one big gourd
• Chisasi — shake two gourds

Method of Playing — Plucking

Some percussion instruments are played by plucking them. You pull the ends of wooden keys with your fingers, and the keys vibrate to make sound.

Examples:

• Adongo — pluck the wooden keys with fingers
• Dongo — also played by plucking

Melodic Percussion Instruments

A melodic percussion instrument has a clear note when you play it — like the notes C, D, E, or F.

Because each part of the instrument makes a different clear note, you can play a tune on it.

Examples: Marimba, Adongo, Dongo.

Non-Melodic Percussion Instruments

A non-melodic percussion instrument does not make a clear note. Every hit or shake sounds similar — you cannot play a tune on it.

Non-melodic instruments are used for rhythm (the steady beat) and texture (extra sound).

Examples: drums (Bul, Mabumbumbu, Chapuo) and rattles (Kayamba, Ibirandi, Puga, Njuga).

Parts of a Marimba

A Marimba has three main parts. Each part does a different job.

• A — Wooden slabs: when hit, they vibrate to make different notes.
• B — Wooden box resonator: the hollow box under the slabs. It makes the sound louder.
• C — Knobbed sticks: the two sticks used to hit the slabs.

Parts of a Drum

A drum has three main parts.

• A — Skin (membrane): when you hit it, it vibrates and makes sound.
• B — Resonator (sound box): the hollow body. It makes the sound louder and deeper.
• C — Laces (strings): ropes that tighten the skin. Tighter skin gives a higher sound. Looser skin gives a lower sound.

What is a Rhythmic Pattern?

A rhythmic pattern is a series of beats that repeats in the same order.

Musicians use simple names for the beats:

• taa — one long beat
• ta-te — two short beats together

What Does "Improvise" Mean?

To improvise means to make something up in the moment, without planning it first.

An improvised rhythmic pattern is a beat pattern you create while you are playing. You did not write it down or plan it earlier.

How to Improvise a Rhythmic Pattern

Follow these steps to improvise on a percussion instrument:

1. Pick an instrument — a drum, a rattle, or any percussion instrument.
2. Listen to the steady beat. Count along: 1, 2, 3, 4. Do not play yet — just feel the beat.
3. Make up a short pattern of 4 beats. For example: tap – tap – rest – tap.
4. Play your pattern while the group keeps the steady beat. Your pattern repeats over and over.
5. Adjust if your pattern does not fit. Make it simpler if you need to.

Tip: Start simple. Listen more than you play.

What is a Charcoal Stick?

A charcoal stick is a drawing tool made from burnt wood.

It is soft, dark, and easy to smudge. This makes it perfect for shading drawings.

Materials Needed to Make Charcoal Sticks

You need four things to make charcoal at home:

• Green sticks — fresh wood from a living tree (not dry wood).
• A sharp knife — to cut the sticks and peel off the bark.
• A metal tin with a tight lid — to hold the sticks during burning.
• A source of fire — to heat the tin.

Safety: Always work with an adult. Knives and fire are dangerous.

Step 1 — Cut and Prepare the Sticks

1. Cut a green stick from a suitable tree.
2. Use a knife to peel off the bark.
3. Cut the sticks so they fit inside your tin.

Safety: Keep your fingers away from the knife blade.

Step 2 — Pack the Sticks in the Tin

Place the sticks tightly inside the metal tin. The sticks should fit close together, not loose.

Step 3 — Make Holes in the Lid

Use a nail to make small holes in the lid of the tin. The holes let burning gases escape.

Why this is important: Without holes, gases build up inside the tin. The tin could explode.

Step 4 — Heat the Tin in the Fire

Place the closed tin in a hot fire. The wood inside will burn slowly without much air.

An adult must always be there. Fire is dangerous.

Step 5 — Cool the Tin Completely

Take the tin out of the fire. Let it cool completely before opening it.

Why this matters: If you open the hot tin, air rushes in and the charcoal turns to ash. All your work is wasted.

Step 6 — Take Out the Charcoal

Once the tin is fully cool, open it carefully. Take out the black charcoal sticks.

Your charcoal sticks are now ready to use for drawing.

Drawing Lines of Different Thickness

You can make thin or thick lines with a charcoal stick. It depends on how you hold it.

• Hold the stick upright — use only the tip → thin line.
• Hold the stick flat on its side → thick line.

What is Tone (Value)?

Tone (also called value) is how light or dark a mark or area is in a drawing.

Tone shows light and shadow on an object. Without tone, a drawing looks flat. With tone, the object looks real and three-dimensional.

Changing Tone with Pressure

You can change tone by changing how hard you press with the charcoal stick.

• Press lightly → light grey
• Press harder → darker grey
• Press very hard → almost black

What is Smudging?

Smudging means to rub and blend charcoal marks using your finger, a cloth, or a tissue.

Smudging makes shading look smooth and soft instead of scratchy.

Tools for Smudging

You can smudge charcoal with many simple tools:

• Your finger — easy and free
• A soft cloth — clean and easy to control
• A tissue or paper towel — easy to find
• A piece of cotton wool — soft for light blending

What is a Still-Life?

A still-life is a drawing of objects that do not move.

The objects sit in one place while you draw them. They can be fruits, flowers, baskets, bowls, or musical instruments.

For this sub-strand, your still-life will be a percussion instrument — like a drum, gourd, or Marimba.

Setting Up the Light

For a good still-life drawing, you need one strong light coming from one side.

Sunlight from a window or one lamp both work. If you use a lamp, close the curtains so other light does not mix in.

This makes one side of the instrument bright and the other side dark. That is exactly what you need to draw three-dimensional form.

From Real Light to Drawing Tone

The bright side of the real instrument becomes a light tone in your drawing (white or light grey).

The shadow side of the real instrument becomes a dark tone in your drawing (dark grey or black).

Materials for the Drawing

Before you start drawing, gather these materials:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Charcoal sticks
• Eraser
• A soft cloth or tissue

Step 1 — Sketch the Outline

Use a pencil and light pressure to sketch the basic shape of the instrument.

Keep the lines faint so you can erase them if you need to fix the shape.

Step 2 — Add the Middle Tones

Look at the still-life. Find the parts that are medium grey — not the brightest, not the darkest.

Use your charcoal stick with medium pressure to shade these parts. Leave the brightest areas white (do not shade them).

Step 3 — Blend the Middle Tones

Use a finger or cloth to rub gently on the medium-grey areas. Move in circles or follow the shape of the object.

The charcoal will blend and smooth out. The scratchy marks will disappear.

Step 4 — Add the Dark Tones

Now find the darkest parts of the instrument and the cast shadow (the shadow on the surface under the instrument).

Press hard with your charcoal stick to make these areas very dark. Then blend gently.

Step 5 — Add Details with the Tip

Use the tip of the charcoal stick to add sharp lines for important details:

• The rim of the drum
• The laces or strings
• Edges between parts

These sharp lines should be darker than the surrounding shading.

Step 6 — Clean Up the Edges

Use the eraser to clean up:

• Any charcoal smudges around the drawing (outside the instrument)
• The edges where your drawing meets the blank paper

Be gentle. Do not erase the shading inside your drawing.

Appreciating the Instruments

To appreciate means to look or listen carefully and notice what is special.

When you appreciate a percussion instrument:

• Listen to its sound — is it deep or high, soft or loud?
• Look at how it is made — what materials are used? Wood? Skin? Gourd? Metal?
• Think about the community it comes from. The instrument is part of their heritage.

Appreciating the Drawings

When you look at your own drawing or a classmate's drawing, ask:

• Does it look three-dimensional? Can you see the light and shadow?
• Can you tell which instrument it is? Are the details clear?
• Is the shading smooth? Are the smudges blended well?
• Is it neat? Are the edges clean?

When you give feedback:

1. Start with something good.
2. Ask a kind question.
3. Offer one helpful suggestion.
4. End with encouragement.

Key Points — Percussion Musical Instruments (Drawing)

Percussion instruments

• Played by hitting, shaking, scraping, rubbing, or clapping.
• Indigenous Kenyan examples: Marimba, Bul, Kayamba, Adongo, Ibirandi, Karing'a ring'a, Chapuo, Puga.
• Classified by name, community, method of playing, or as melodic or non-melodic.
• Melodic (Marimba, Adongo) → clear notes, can play tunes.
• Non-melodic (drums, rattles) → rhythm and texture only.

Drawing

• Charcoal sticks are made by burning green wood inside a sealed tin.
• Tone means how light or dark a mark is.
• Smudging blends charcoal into smooth shading.
• A still-life drawing of a percussion instrument uses observation, tone, and smudging to look three-dimensional.

What is Netball?

Netball is a fun team game played using your hands. Players pass and catch a ball to score points.

In Grade 4, you will learn:

• How to pass the ball (chest pass and overhead pass)
• How to catch the ball with two hands
• How to make your own ball using local materials

Passing and Catching

In Netball, two skills work together:

• Passing — throwing the ball to a teammate.
• Catching — receiving the ball with both hands.

You will learn two ways to pass: the chest pass and the overhead pass. You will also learn the double-handed catch.

What is a Chest Pass?

A chest pass is a pass made from your chest level. You hold the ball at your chest and push it straight to your teammate.

The chest pass is used for short, fast passes over a short distance.

How to Do a Chest Pass

Follow these steps:

1. Stand with knees slightly bent.
2. Hold the ball with both hands at your chest.
3. Focus your eyes on the teammate you are passing to.
4. Stretch your arms forward and release the ball.
5. The ball should travel in a straight line to your teammate.

What is an Overhead Pass?

An overhead pass is a pass made from above your head. You hold the ball high, then throw it down to your teammate.

The overhead pass is useful when you need to pass over a player who is in front of you.

How to Do an Overhead Pass

Follow these steps:

1. Stand facing your teammate, about 2 metres apart.
2. Hold the ball with both hands.
3. Raise your hands above your head. Bend your elbows and knees.
4. Focus your eyes on your teammate.
5. Release the ball forward to your teammate.

Chest Pass vs Overhead Pass

The two passes are useful in different situations:

What is the Double-Handed Catch?

The double-handed catch means catching the ball with both hands.

Using both hands gives you a bigger surface to catch with. The ball is less likely to slip out of your hands.

How to Do a Double-Handed Catch

Follow these steps:

1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Bend your knees slightly for balance.
3. Stretch your arms forward toward the ball.
4. Spread your fingers wide on both hands.
5. Keep your eyes on the ball as it comes.
6. Use your fingers and palms to hold the ball firmly.

Why Keep Your Eyes on the Ball?

When catching, always watch the ball from when it is thrown until it lands in your hands.

If you look away, you may:

• Miss the ball completely
• Catch it badly and drop it
• Get hit in the face

Focused eyes help your hands move to the right place at the right time.

Why Improvise a Ball?

To improvise a ball means to make your own ball from materials you already have.

Reasons to improvise:

• You may not have a real Netball. A handmade ball still lets you practise.
• It saves money. You use materials you already have.
• It is good for the environment. You reuse old things instead of throwing them away.

What is the Macramé Technique?

Macramé is a technique of making things by tying knots with ropes or strings.

The overhand knot is the simplest kind of knot. You can use it to tie strings around a paper or cloth ball to keep it round and firm.

Materials for Making a Ball

You can make a Netball using simple materials found around your home or school:

• Old papers or carrier bags — for the inside of the ball
• Old cloth pieces — to add more shape and softness
• String or sisal rope — to tie the ball together
• Scissors — to cut the string

Step 1 — Make the Core

The core is the centre of the ball.

1. Take old papers or pieces of cloth.
2. Crumple them tightly into a small ball shape.
3. This crumpled ball is the core. Everything else builds around it.

Step 2 — Build Up the Size

1. Keep adding more papers or cloth around the core.
2. Each layer makes the ball bigger and rounder.
3. Press with your hands after each layer to make it compact.
4. Try to keep the ball even and round on all sides.

Step 3 — Tie the Ball with String

1. Cut a piece of string about one metre long.
2. Wrap the string around the ball in different directions.
3. Tie knots tightly as you go to hold the paper or cloth in place.
4. Keep wrapping and knotting until the ball is firm.
5. Tie a final knot to finish.

Stance: Standing Correctly

Stance means how you stand. A good stance helps you pass, catch, and move well.

The correct stance for Netball:

• Feet shoulder-width apart — gives you balance.
• Knees slightly bent — ready to move quickly.
• Body facing your teammate — ready to pass or catch.

Playing Safely

Netball is fun, but you must play safely. Follow these rules:

• Pass the ball gently at first — do not throw too hard.
• Look before you pass — make sure your teammate is ready.
• Do not run into other players.
• Play on a flat, open area — away from walls or hard objects.
• Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes.

Playing a Mini-Netball Game

Once you can pass and catch, you can play a mini-Netball game with your classmates.

In a mini-game:

• Form small teams of 3 to 5 players each.
• Pass the ball to your teammates using chest pass or overhead pass.
• Catch with both hands when the ball comes to you.
• Move around to get to a good position.
• Have fun and cheer for your team and the other team.

Key Points — Netball

Passing

• Chest pass — start at chest level, pass straight to teammate.
• Overhead pass — start above the head, pass over a defender.
• Keep knees slightly bent. Focus your eyes on your teammate.

Catching

• Use both hands with fingers spread.
• Watch the ball all the way into your hands.
• Bend knees slightly for balance.

Making a ball

• Use old papers, cloth, and string — reuse materials.
• Crumple a tight core, add layers, wrap with string, and tie firm knots.
• The technique of tying knots is called macramé.

Safety

• Pass gently, look first, play on a flat open area.

Painting and Montage

This sub-strand teaches you how to make pictures using two methods:

1. Painting — using colours to create a picture, with light and dark tones.
2. Montage — making one picture by cutting and pasting smaller pictures together.

You will learn about colours, how to mix them, how to make tones, and how to combine cut-out pictures into a single new artwork.

What is Colour?

Colours are the different shades we see around us — red, blue, green, yellow, and many more.

Colours make the world look exciting. We see them in flowers, clothes, the sky, food, and paintings.

In art, colours are sorted into two main groups: primary colours and secondary colours.

Primary Colours

Primary colours are the three basic colours: red, yellow, and blue.

You cannot make primary colours by mixing other colours. They are the starting colours for all other colours.

Secondary Colours

Secondary colours are colours made by mixing two primary colours.

There are three secondary colours:

• Orange
• Green
• Purple

Mixing Red and Yellow Makes Orange

When you mix the primary colours red and yellow in equal amounts, you get the secondary colour orange.

Mixing Yellow and Blue Makes Green

When you mix the primary colours yellow and blue in equal amounts, you get the secondary colour green.

Mixing Red and Blue Makes Purple

When you mix the primary colours red and blue in equal amounts, you get the secondary colour purple.

The Colour-Mixing Summary

Use this table to remember the three mixes:

Tip: Mix in equal amounts for a clean secondary colour.

What is Colour Value (Tone)?

Colour value (also called tone) is how light or dark a colour is.

For example, light orange and dark orange are both orange — but they have different colour values.

You can change the colour value of a paint by adding:

• White — makes the colour lighter
• Black — makes the colour darker

Adding White Lightens a Colour

When you mix white with a secondary colour, the colour becomes lighter.

The more white you add, the lighter the colour becomes.

Adding Black Darkens a Colour

When you mix black with a secondary colour, the colour becomes darker.

The more black you add, the darker the colour becomes.

What is a Colour Value Strip?

A colour value strip is a row of small rectangles painted in different shades of the same colour.

It shows how a colour can move from lightest to darkest. Artists use colour value strips to plan paintings.

Materials for Mixing Colours

You need a few simple materials to mix colours:

• Drawing paper
• Primary colour paints (red, yellow, blue)
• White and black paint (for making tones)
• Brushes
• A container of water for cleaning brushes
• A clean container (like a bottle top) for mixing

How to Mix Two Colours

Follow these steps to mix paint colours:

1. Put a small amount of the first colour in a clean container.
2. Add an equal amount of the second colour.
3. Stir the two colours together with a brush or stick.
4. Look at the new colour. Test it on a piece of paper.
5. If you want the colour lighter, add a little white. For darker, add a little black.
6. Clean your brush in water before using a new colour.

Painting a Picture with Colour Value

To paint a picture that looks real, use different colour values of the same colour.

For example, when painting an apple:

• The bright side of the apple (where light hits) is painted with a light value.
• The shadow side of the apple is painted with a dark value.
• The middle areas are painted with the pure colour.

Steps to Paint an Object

To paint an object using colour value:

1. Place the object in front of you with light coming from one side.
2. Sketch the outline of the object lightly with a pencil.
3. Look at the object. Find the bright side, the middle, and the shadow side.
4. Paint the middle areas first with the pure colour.
5. Add white to the colour and paint the bright side.
6. Add black to the colour and paint the shadow side.
7. Let it dry. Show your painting to classmates.

What is Montage?

Montage is a way of making one picture by cutting different pictures and pasting them together on a surface.

The small pictures combine to tell a new story or show a new idea.

Materials for Making a Montage

To make a montage you need:

• Old newspapers and magazines — to find pictures to cut
• Pictures of your theme (for example, ball games)
• A pair of scissors — to cut the pictures carefully
• Glue — to paste the pictures down
• Cardboard or thick paper — the surface for your montage
• A pencil — to plan where to place the pictures

Step 1 — Choose a Theme

Before you start, choose a theme for your montage.

A theme is the main idea or topic. All your pictures should fit this theme.

Examples of themes:

• Ball games — football, Netball, basketball
• Animals — cats, dogs, birds
• Food — fruits, vegetables, bread
• My family — people, faces, hands

Step 2 — Collect and Cut Pictures

1. Look through old newspapers and magazines.
2. Find pictures that match your theme.
3. Cut out each picture carefully using scissors.
4. Try to cut close to the edge of each picture for a clean shape.

Safety: Use scissors carefully. Keep your fingers away from the blade.

Step 3 — Arrange the Pictures

Before you paste, plan where each picture will go.

1. Place your cardboard or thick paper flat on the table.
2. Lay the cut pictures on top of the cardboard.
3. Move them around until you like how they look.
4. Some pictures can overlap each other — this looks interesting.

Step 4 — Paste the Pictures

1. Lift one picture at a time.
2. Put a little glue on the back of the picture.
3. Place it back where you planned and press it down.
4. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles.
5. Repeat for each picture until your montage is complete.

Step 5 — Clean Up and Display

1. Throw away any small paper cuttings.
2. Wipe glue off your hands and the table.
3. Let the glue dry completely before moving the montage.
4. Display the finished montage in class.
5. Talk about your work with classmates and listen to their feedback.

Painting vs Montage

Both painting and montage make pictures, but in different ways:

Key Points — Painting and Montage

Colours

• Primary colours: red, yellow, blue — cannot be made by mixing.
• Secondary colours: orange, green, purple — made by mixing two primary colours.
• Red + Yellow = Orange. Yellow + Blue = Green. Red + Blue = Purple.

Colour value (tone)

• Add white to make a colour lighter.
• Add black to make a colour darker.
• A colour value strip shows shades from lightest to darkest.
• Use different colour values in a painting to show light and shadow.

Montage

• Montage means cutting and pasting many pictures into one.
• Choose a theme, collect pictures, cut, arrange, paste, and clean up.
• Pictures can overlap to make the montage interesting.

Rhythm

In Grade 3, you learned how to make simple rhythmic patterns using long and short sounds.

In Grade 4, you will learn:

• About two music notes: the crotchet and the pair of quavers.
• About rests — silences in music.
• How to write French rhythm names using free-hand lettering.
• The qualities of a good rhythmic pattern.
• How to create your own rhythmic patterns.

What is Rhythm?

Rhythm is a combination of long and short sounds in music.

When long and short sounds are arranged in a pattern, they make the music feel steady and exciting.

You hear rhythm everywhere: in songs, in clapping, in drumming, even in the way people walk and talk.

What is a Rhythmic Pattern?

A rhythmic pattern is when long and short sounds are arranged in a specific order that repeats.

Patterns make music easy to follow and remember.

What is a Crotchet?

A crotchet is a music note that lasts one beat.

You say it as "taa" in French rhythm names.

It looks like a shaded (filled) oval head with a stem going up or down.

What is a Pair of Quavers?

A quaver lasts half a beat. Two quavers joined together are called a pair of quavers.

Together, a pair of quavers lasts one beat (half + half = one).

You say a pair of quavers as "ta-te" in French rhythm names.

Crotchet vs Pair of Quavers

Both the crotchet and the pair of quavers last one beat. But they sound different.

What is a Rest?

A rest is a silence in music — a moment when no sound is played.

Every music note has a matching rest of the same length:

• A crotchet rest is a silence that lasts one beat.
• A quaver rest is a silence that lasts half a beat.

Rests are just as important as notes. They give the music space to breathe.

French Rhythm Names

French rhythm names are simple sounds that musicians use to say the rhythm out loud.

The two main French rhythm names in Grade 4 are:

• taa — for a crotchet (one long sound)
• ta-te — for a pair of quavers (two short sounds)

You can say them, clap them, or tap them to learn rhythms.

Clapping the Rhythm

You can clap a rhythm to practise it. Each clap matches one beat.

• For taa, give one strong clap (one beat).
• For ta-te, give two quick claps (each half a beat).
• For a rest, stay silent for that beat.

The Constant Beat

A constant beat is a steady pulse that does not change.

It is like the ticking of a clock — even and regular: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4, 1 - 2 - 3 - 4.

Some musicians play the rhythm (with taa and ta-te), while others keep the constant beat (with taa only). Both go together.

What is Free-Hand Lettering?

Free-hand lettering is a way of writing letters by hand, drawing each letter carefully.

You do not need special tools — just a pencil or pen. Free-hand lettering can be done in lowercase (small letters) or uppercase (capital letters).

Ascenders and Descenders

Some small letters are taller or longer than others:

• Ascenders are letters that go up, above the main body of the letter. Examples: b, d, f, h, k, l, t.
• Descenders are letters that go down, below the main body of the letter. Examples: g, j, p, q, y.

Writing 'taa' and 'ta-te' in Free-Hand

You can use free-hand lettering to write the French rhythm names taa and ta-te.

Steps to write them:

1. Use a pencil and a ruler to draw three light lines on your paper.
2. Use the lines as a guide for letter height.
3. Write each letter slowly and carefully.
4. Make sure ascenders (like 't') go up to the top line.

What Makes a Good Rhythm — Repetition

Repetition means using the same pattern again and again.

Repetition is one quality of a good rhythmic pattern. It makes the rhythm easy to follow and remember.

What Makes a Good Rhythm — Variation

Variation means changing the pattern slightly to keep it interesting.

If a rhythm only repeats without any change, it can become boring. Variation adds excitement.

What Makes a Good Rhythm — Ending on a Long Note

A good rhythmic pattern usually ends on a long note (taa).

Ending on a long note gives the rhythm a feeling of finishing or completeness. It is like putting a full stop at the end of a sentence.

The Three Qualities of a Good Rhythm

A good rhythmic pattern has three qualities:

A good rhythm uses all three together.

Step 1 — Plan Your Rhythm

Before you create your own rhythm, plan it.

1. Decide how many beats your rhythm will have. Four or eight beats is a good start.
2. Choose which notes to use: crotchets (taa), pairs of quavers (ta-te), and rests.
3. Decide which pattern to repeat and where to add variation.
4. Plan to end on a long note (taa).

Step 2 — Write Your Rhythm

Now write your rhythm in French rhythm names:

1. Use a pencil and your three guide lines.
2. Write each beat carefully using taa or ta-te.
3. Use rests by leaving a space and writing 'rest' or drawing a rest symbol.
4. Make sure your rhythm ends on taa.

Example: taa ta-te taa ta-te taa taa ta-te taa

Step 3 — Clap and Test Your Rhythm

1. Read your rhythm out loud using the French names.
2. Now clap as you say the names.
3. Listen to your rhythm. Does it feel good? Does it end well?
4. If not, change a beat and try again.

Test it on a drum or other percussion instrument too. The rhythm should sound steady.

Step 4 — Get Feedback

Share your rhythm with classmates:

1. Clap your rhythm for your class.
2. Ask classmates: "Did it feel good? What can I improve?"
3. Listen carefully to their answers.
4. Use the feedback to make your rhythm better.

You can also use a digital device to record your rhythm and save it in your portfolio.

Key Points — Rhythm

The notes

• Crotchet = one long sound, French name taa, lasts one beat.
• Pair of quavers = two short sounds joined, French name ta-te, together last one beat.
• Rest = a silence, same length as the matching note.

Free-hand lettering

• Writing letters by hand using guide lines.
• Ascenders go up (b, d, h, l). Descenders go down (g, j, p, y).
• Write 'taa' and 'ta-te' neatly using free-hand lettering.

A good rhythmic pattern

• Uses repetition — the same pattern repeats.
• Uses variation — small changes keep it interesting.
• Ends on a long note (taa) to feel complete.

Creating a rhythm

• Plan, write, clap to test, then get feedback.

Melody

In Grade 3, you learned about melodic variations in simple songs. In Grade 4, you will learn about:

• The solfa syllables d, r, and m.
• Hand signs for d, r, and m.
• The qualities of a good melody.
• How to create short melodies.
• How to model the solfa syllables using clay.

What is a Melody?

A melody is the order of musical notes with different pitches.

Pitch means how high or low a sound is. A melody moves from one pitch to another.

When you sing a song, the tune you sing is the melody.

What is Pitch?

Pitch is how high or low a sound is.

• A high pitch sounds like a small bird singing or a whistle.
• A low pitch sounds like a big drum or a deep voice.

In a melody, notes have different pitches. Some are high, some are low.

What are Solfa Syllables?

Solfa syllables are special names used for the notes in a melody.

There are seven solfa syllables in total: d r m f s l t (said as doh, re, mi, fa, soh, la, ti).

In Grade 4, you will learn the first three:

• d — said as doh
• r — said as re
• m — said as mi

How to Say the Solfa Syllables

The three solfa syllables are written short but said with full words:

When singing, always use the full words: doh, re, mi.

The Pitch Order of d, r, m

The three syllables have different pitches:

• d (doh) is the lowest of the three.
• r (re) is in the middle.
• m (mi) is the highest of the three.

Ascending Order — Low to High

Ascending order means singing from the lowest pitch to the highest pitch.

In ascending order, the three solfa syllables are: d → r → m (doh, re, mi).

Descending Order — High to Low

Descending order means singing from the highest pitch to the lowest pitch.

In descending order, the three solfa syllables are: m → r → d (mi, re, doh).

What is a Pitch Grid?

A pitch grid is a simple drawing that shows where each solfa syllable sits in pitch.

It helps you see and sing the notes accurately. Higher syllables are drawn near the top. Lower syllables are drawn near the bottom.

What are Kodaly Hand Signs?

Kodaly hand signs are special hand shapes used to show each solfa syllable.

Each syllable has its own hand sign. The signs help you sing the right pitch.

Important: Kodaly hand signs are not the same as sign language. They are only used in music.

Hand Sign for d (doh)

The hand sign for d (doh) is a closed fist.

Hold your fist low, near the waist. This is because d is the lowest of the three syllables.

Hand Sign for r (re)

The hand sign for r (re) is a flat hand tilted upward, like a ramp going up.

Hold your hand at chest level — higher than d but lower than m.

Hand Sign for m (mi)

The hand sign for m (mi) is a flat hand held level, palm facing down.

Hold your hand at shoulder level or higher — the highest of the three signs.

All Three Hand Signs Together

When you sing d, r, m, your hand moves up with each higher syllable:

• d — closed fist at the waist
• r — flat hand tilted at the chest
• m — flat hand level at the shoulder

What is Stepwise Motion?

Stepwise motion means moving from one solfa syllable to the very next one — not skipping any.

Examples of stepwise motion:

• d → r → m (moving up step by step)
• m → r → d (moving down step by step)

It is like walking up stairs one step at a time. You do not jump over a step.

Quality 1 — Stepwise Motion

A good melody often uses stepwise motion. It moves smoothly from one note to the next.

Example: d - r - m - r - d moves up step by step, then down step by step.

Stepwise motion makes a melody feel smooth and easy to sing.

Quality 2 — Variation of Syllables

A good melody varies the solfa syllables. It does not just use the same one over and over.

Example: d - r - m - m - r - d uses all three syllables in different orders.

Variation makes the melody interesting and fun to listen to.

Quality 3 — Variation of Note Length

A good melody uses notes of different lengths.

Some notes are long (taa). Some are short (ta-te). Mixing them makes the melody interesting.

Example: d (taa) - r (ta-te) - m (taa) - r (ta-te) - d (taa) mixes long and short notes.

Quality 4 — Ending on d (doh)

A good melody usually ends on d (doh).

Ending on d makes the melody feel complete — like the music has come home.

Example: m - r - d ends on d. The melody feels finished.

All Four Qualities Together

A good melody uses all four qualities:

Step 1 — Choose Your Rhythm

To create a short melody, start with the rhythm.

1. Choose how many beats your melody will have. Try 8 beats.
2. Write a rhythm using taa and ta-te.
3. Example: taa - ta-te - taa - ta-te - taa - ta-te - taa - taa.

Step 2 — Add Solfa Syllables

Now add a solfa syllable (d, r, or m) to each beat of your rhythm.

1. Try to use stepwise motion — move from one syllable to the next without skipping.
2. Mix the syllables for variety.
3. Make sure the melody ends on d.

Example:

Rhythm: taa - ta-te - taa - ta-te - taa - ta-te - taa - taa
Syllables: d - r-r - m - r-r - m - m-r - r - d

Step 3 — Sing Your Melody

1. Sing your melody slowly using the solfa syllables.
2. Use the hand signs as you sing.
3. Listen to how it sounds.
4. Does it have stepwise motion? Variation? Does it end on d?
5. If not, change a syllable and try again.

Step 4 — Share and Get Feedback

1. Perform your melody for your group or class.
2. Sing slowly and clearly.
3. Listen to what your classmates say.
4. Use the feedback to make your melody better.
5. You can use a digital device to record the melody and keep it in your portfolio.

What is Modelling with Clay?

Modelling is the art of making simple items using clay.

Clay is a soft, sticky soil that can be shaped with your hands. When it dries, it becomes hard and keeps its shape.

In this sub-strand, you will model the solfa syllables d, r, m using clay.

Materials for Modelling

• Clay — collected from your neighbourhood
• Water — to soften the clay
• A flat surface — a table or wooden board
• Watercolours and brush (optional) — to paint the dried clay

What is a Slab?

A slab is a flat piece of clay, like a flat tile or a cookie.

You can roll clay into a slab using your hands or a rolling pin.

What is a Coil?

A coil is a long thin rope of clay.

You make a coil by rolling a small piece of clay between your hands or on a table until it becomes long and thin.

Step 1 — Prepare the Clay

1. Collect clay from a clean, suitable place.
2. Place it on your flat working surface.
3. Add a little water if the clay feels dry.
4. Knead the clay (press and fold it) until it is smooth and soft.

Step 2 — Make a Slab

1. Take a portion of your smooth clay.
2. Press it flat with your hands, or roll it with a rolling pin.
3. Shape it into a rectangle.
4. Divide the rectangle into 3 equal parts (one for each syllable: d, r, m).

Step 3 — Make Coils for Each Syllable

1. Take small pieces of clay.
2. Roll each piece into a long thin coil.
3. Use the coils to shape the letters d, r, and m.
4. Place each letter on its part of the slab.
5. Press gently so the letters stick to the slab.

Step 4 — Dry and Display

1. Place your slab in a safe spot to dry.
2. Drying may take a day or more, depending on the weather.
3. Once dry, you can paint the syllables with watercolours (optional).
4. Take a photograph of your slab for your portfolio.
5. Display your slab in class.

Key Points — Melody

Melody and pitch

• A melody is the order of musical notes with different pitches.
• Pitch means how high or low a sound is.

Solfa syllables

• The three syllables are d (doh), r (re), m (mi).
• d is the lowest, m is the highest.
• Ascending: d → r → m. Descending: m → r → d.

Kodaly hand signs

• d — closed fist at the waist
• r — flat hand tilted up at the chest
• m — flat hand level at the shoulder

Qualities of a good melody

• Stepwise motion — move one syllable at a time.
• Variation of syllables and note lengths.
• End on d for a complete feeling.

Modelling clay

• Use a slab (flat piece) and coils (long ropes).
• Shape coils into the letters d, r, m and place on the slab.
• Let the slab dry hard.