Recorder Karate

A few weeks ago, 5th graders finished up their unit on recorder karate. This is a fun unit of learning to play the recorder that allows students to work at their own pace and learn songs in order to get "belts" to add to their recorder. We work on some songs together in class, and then students are given practice time to work on more songs by themselves. When students think they have a song ready to perform, they "test" with me by playing the song. If they pass it, they earn a belt to hang from their recorder.

I was very impressed at how many students worked hard to earn multiple belts. If we would have had more time, I'm sure I would have had many students earning their black belts! Here are the number of students who earned each belt:

Level 1 (White Belt): 82 students

Level 2 (Yellow Belt): 82 students

Level 3 (Orange Belt): 81 students

Level 4 (Green Belt): 72 students

Level 5 (Purple Belt): 50 students

Level 6 (Blue Belt): 22 students

Level 7 (Red Belt): 9 students

No one reached Level 8 (Brown Belt) and Level 9 (Black Belt), however I am sure many students could have achieved these levels with a few more classtimes. All students did receive a Recorder Karate award, a packet of the music from orange belt - black belt, and any belts they did not receive. If they practice and play the song for an adult, they may consider themselves earning that belt and tie it onto their recorders! I hope many students will become black belts over the summer! Way to go 5th graders!