Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 5
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Cultural And Creative Arts
Curriculum Theme: Cultural And Creative Arts
Previous Lesson: Rudiments of Music – Musical Alphabets, Clefs, Staff, and Major Scales
Topic: Playing Instrument – Recorder
Subject Matter: Explanation of Recorder, Uses of a Recorder, Key Signatures of a Recorder, Steps of Playing the Recorder

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Describe the recorder as a musical instrument.
(b) Identify the key signatures of a recorder.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the importance of learning to play the recorder.
(b) Develop an interest in musical performance using simple instruments.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Demonstrate the correct way of holding and blowing a recorder.
(b) Practise simple fingering techniques for producing basic notes.
Social Domain:
(a) Participate cooperatively in group practice sessions.

Reference Materials

The following resources was used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary Schools
Wikipedia – Musical instrument
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Real recorder instrument
Chart showing parts of a recorder
Musical note chart
Audio samples of recorder sounds
Staff notation sheet
Whiteboard and marker

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to identify, handle, and play the recorder, thereby developing musical skills and appreciation for instrumental performance.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have been introduced to musical instruments in earlier lessons and can differentiate between percussion, string, and wind instruments.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Playing Instrument – Recorder

Explanation of Recorder

A recorder is a simple woodwind musical instrument that produces sound when air is blown through its mouthpiece and directed over an internal edge. It is usually made of plastic or wood and has holes that are covered with the fingers to produce different notes.

The following are parts of a recorder:

The mouthpiece (where air is blown).
The body (contains the finger holes).
The foot joint (bottom part that helps tune the sound).

Uses of a Recorder

The recorder is one of the easiest wind instruments to learn. It is widely used in schools and music groups for basic training.

The following are uses of a recorder:

It is used for learning basic music skills.
It helps pupils understand fingering and breathing control.
It is used in school bands and music lessons.
It helps improve coordination between breathing and finger movement.
It can be used to perform simple songs and melodies.

Key Signatures of a Recorder

The recorder, like other musical instruments, has key signatures that help identify the pitch of notes. The most common recorder key is the key of C for soprano and tenor recorders, and key of F for alto recorders.

The following are key signatures commonly used for the recorder:

Key of C Major – has no sharps or flats.
Key of G Major – has one sharp (F#).
Key of F Major – has one flat (Bb).

Steps of Playing the Recorder

To play the recorder correctly, certain steps must be followed. Proper handling and posture make the sound clear and accurate.

The following are steps in playing the recorder:

Sit or stand upright with good posture.
Hold the recorder with the left hand on top and the right hand below.
Place the thumb of the left hand on the back hole.
Blow gently into the mouthpiece—too much air will make a harsh sound.
Cover and uncover the holes with your fingers to produce different notes.
Practise simple tunes by following note charts.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Discussion, Lecture, Explanation, Demonstration, Group Work, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a recorder and asks pupils to identify the type of instrument it is and what it might be used for.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and respond that it is a musical instrument used for making sound.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the topic and identify the recorder as a musical instrument.

Step 2: Explanation of Recorder

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a recorder is and describes its parts using a chart or real recorder.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and identify each part as the teacher points it out.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the structure and description of the recorder.

Step 3: Uses of a Recorder

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the importance and uses of the recorder in music and school performances.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils mention situations where they have seen or heard a recorder being played.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the various uses of the recorder.

Step 4: Key Signatures and Steps of Playing the Recorder

Time: 15 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes the key signatures on the board and explains each. Then demonstrates how to hold and blow into the recorder properly, showing finger placement for a few notes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practise holding the recorder and attempt to blow gently while covering holes to produce simple notes.
Learning Point: Pupils are able to identify key signatures and practise basic steps in playing the recorder.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes or dictates the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write down the lesson notes in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils have a written record of the key lesson points.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is a recorder?
Mention three uses of a recorder.
State two key signatures of a recorder.
List the steps for playing a recorder.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the characteristics and use of a recorder.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to keep practising to improve their recorder skills.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils are motivated to continue practising and exploring musical instruments.

Lesson Keywords

Recorder – a simple wind instrument played by blowing air through a mouthpiece.
Key Signature – a symbol that shows which notes are sharp or flat in a piece of music.
Fingering – placing fingers on the recorder holes to produce notes.
Posture – the correct position of the body while playing an instrument.
Melody – a series of musical notes that make a tune.

Differentiation

Teacher provides visual and auditory support for slower learners and allows advanced pupils to assist others during practice sessions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure each pupil has access to a recorder or shares one for practice. Emphasize correct posture, gentle blowing, and proper hygiene when handling the instrument.