Sounds and Instruments – Class 4 Arts Chapter 13 Notes & NCERT PDF

Introduction

In Grade 3, children made rhythm patterns with claps, snaps and stamps. In Sounds and Instruments they use more body percussion, and think about how body language and gestures show feelings. They then explore how musical instruments make sound and how they are grouped.

What's in this Chapter

*Activity 13.1: If You're Happy and You Know It.* Children sing the song and do the actions: clap your hands, stomp your feet, shout "hurray", and finally "do all three". The book also gives a Hindi version, "Jab bhi khush ho, aap bajao taali…". Children can write the words in their own language and sing them together.

*Activity 13.2: Superheroes without Capes.* This song is by The Thayir Sadam Project (Bindu Subramaniam, Ambi Subramaniam, Mahesh Raghvan and Akshay A). It says we do not need capes to be heroes: "Don't use plastic, teach some kids… Don't waste food, compost too, There's so much more that you can do." It mixes a swara line P, DP D, SD S, RS R, GR with the Konnakkol ta ka dhi mi tam.

How instruments make sound. All sound is produced by vibrations. When an object vibrates, it creates sound waves that travel through air or water to our ears. Instruments are grouped by which part vibrates. There are four basic categories:

Do You Know? This system of classifying instruments originated in India. The four categories were first mentioned in the *Natya Shastra* by Bharata Muni. The book says it was written around 2500 years ago. All the world's instruments generally fit into one of these four groups.

Activity 13.3: What is that sound? Instruments sound different because of their materials and how they are played. Children listen to sound samples and identify common Indian instruments.

Activity 13.4: Classify the instrument. Match pictures of instruments to string, wind, percussion or solid.

Activity 13.5: Exploring musical instruments. Bring an instrument to class. Observe its shape, size, colour and decorations such as carvings or paint, and check for a label showing its origin or maker. Gently touch it, describe its parts, listen to a recording and draw it.

Activity 13.6: Make your own instrument, a popsicle-stick harmonica. You need 2 popsicle sticks, 2 rubber bands, 1 long strip of paper and 1 toothpick. Place the paper strip between the sticks, tie one end with a rubber band, and push half a toothpick between the sticks near that end. Push the other half in at the open end and secure it with the second band. With a slight gap between the sticks, blow out or draw in air to make sounds.

Summative ideas: present a song on a theme, interpret a piece of music, sing a classical composition with its arohana, avarohana and tala, or create a group soundscape with body percussion and objects.

Key Ideas

Words to Learn

Tips for Parents & Teachers

Common Mistakes