Steel Pan Music Fun
Cultural Celebrations
20 minutes
Whole class
Learning Objectives
- Experience steel pan music
- Develop rhythm and musical skills
- Learn about Caribbean musical traditions
- Practice listening and movement skills
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1Sit in circle and listen to steel pan music
- 2Talk about how steel pans are made from oil drums
- 3Let children explore making sounds with metal containers
- 4Practice simple rhythms together
- 5Add scarves for dancing to steel pan music
- 6Take turns being the 'steel pan band leader'
- 7End with group dance to favorite steel pan song
Assessment Criteria
- ✓Child listens attentively to steel pan music
- ✓Child attempts to create rhythms
- ✓Child participates in movement activities
- ✓Child shows appreciation for Caribbean music
Materials Needed
- Metal pans or containers
- Wooden spoons or mallets
- Steel pan music recordings
- Colorful scarves
- Simple rhythm instruments
Preparation
- •Set up listening area with space for movement
- •Prepare steel pan music playlist
- •Arrange metal containers as 'steel pans'
- •Have scarves ready for dancing
Teaching Tips
- 💡Keep volume at comfortable level
- 💡Encourage all children to participate
- 💡Model appropriate use of instruments
- 💡Connect to children's own musical experiences
Extension Activities
- +Invite steel pan musician to visit class
- +Learn about Trinidad and Tobago steel pan history
- +Create simple steel pan instruments
- +Compare steel pan music to other Caribbean music
Key Vocabulary
steel pan
rhythm
music
Caribbean
drums
beat
dance