Mathematics used in singing in the Chamorro culture

Kuma kanta (singing) was a way of life for ancient Chamorros, and it is a practice that is still actively practiced. Whether it be to sing magof pot triste (happy or sad) songs, the very nature of singing has much meaning. For instance, Chamorro fishermen sang songs to bring them luck, and Chamorro lovers would sing songs to warm the heart of their loved ones. We also sing songs in our churches, in storytelling, fiestas, and dancing. The songs reflect how we feel and sometimes point out a moral that is meaningful in our culture.

Mathematics concepts: Rhythm, beat, high & low-pitch notes, timing of notes, amount of words used, length of the song, etc.

Here's a singing mathematics lesson plan that I came across, which will certainly engage the students:

Singing Math
Music Lesson

Objective: Students will recall the twelve times tables up to 120 10 out of 10 numbers.

Math Objective:
Students will acquire number sense and perform operations with whole numbers, simple fractions, and decimals.

Music Target:
Perform basic beat activities using body percussion.

Materials: white board, dry erase marker, tape (not necessary)

Introduction:
"Who knows the song Pop goes the Wesel? Today we are going to learn some of the 12 times tables singing to the tune of Pop goes the Wesel.

I Do: Teacher will write the numbers on the board, clustering together the numbers that will be said together. For example: 12,24,36...48 & 60...72,84....96,108,1 2 0. "Students, clap along with the beat while I sing the numbers out loud." Teacher will then sing out loud while clapping along with the beat.

We Do: Students will join in with the teacher as they begin to get the beat. Teacher will then remove her assistance and students will practice the song with one another. "Remember to clap with the beat, this will help you sing the numbers at the right speed and on the right beat." Teacher will walk around as students practice the song and clap with one another. Teacher will slowly erase numbers off the board, allowing students to use memory instead of reading the numbers. By the end of We Do all numbers should be erased.

You Do: Students will practice independently, using clapping if needed. Students will then sing the song to the teacher individually. Students can clap the beat in order to help them sing their 12 times tables but it is not necessary for their grade. Teacher will observe students as they pass them off.

Assessment: Students will sing the twelve times tables to the teacher.

Reference:

Weber State University. (2009). Retrieved March 4, 2010 from http://faculty.weber.edu/lorettawalker/Mus%20I%20pdf/MI4Hartam.pdf