Recorder Karate Idea Bank

I introduce recorders and Recorder Karate to my students in fourth grade. Several fourth grade students earn their black belt by the end of the year. (I also use America for the black belt.) I have a second degree black belt system that I use to keep these students motivated when they are in fifth grade. Second degree black belt requirements can be earned in any order.

• Prepare a concert version of a song and perform it for the class with the accompaniment.
• Prepare a song that has an improvisation section to perform for the class. (Last year we used "Scoot!" from Music K-8, Vol. 11, No. 4.)
• Using criteria that I have given them, compose a simple recorder melody that they can play.

I use yarn Recorder Karate and plastic craft string for the second degree belt. The students are given a bead for each second degree requirement they complete. Last year, I found some cheap plastic trophies at a dollar store and they each got a small trophy at the end-of-the-year awards assembly.