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Feel The Beat!

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Mrs Hilary

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Rhythm Lesson Plan

Students will be able to define rhythm, identify basic rhythmic patterns (whole, half, quarter, eighth notes), and demonstrate rhythmic understanding through clapping and vocalization.

Understanding rhythm is a fundamental building block for all music, enhancing listening skills and enabling students to participate actively in musical creation and appreciation.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, guided practice, and a collaborative activity.

Materials

Rhythm Exploration Slide Deck, Rhythm Challenge Activity, Rhythm Warm Up, Rhythm Cool Down, and Optional: Small percussion instruments (clappers, shakers, drums)

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Review the Rhythm Exploration Slide Deck, Rhythm Challenge Activity, Rhythm Warm Up, and Rhythm Cool Down to familiarize yourself with the content and flow. Ensure any optional percussion instruments are ready.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's Your Beat?

5 minutes

Begin by distributing the Rhythm Warm Up handout. Ask students to silently reflect on the questions. After a few minutes, invite students to share their thoughts with a partner or the whole class: 'What are some sounds you hear every day that have a rhythm?' Guide them to think about footsteps, heartbeats, dripping water, or even the rhythm of speech.

Show Slide 1: What's Your Beat? and engage students in a quick discussion about what rhythm means to them.

Step 2

Introduction to Rhythm Basics

10 minutes

Using the Rhythm Exploration Slide Deck (Slides 2-4), introduce the concept of rhythm as the pattern of sounds and silences in music.
Explain whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes using visual aids and simple examples.
Demonstrate each rhythm with clapping, and have students echo you. For example, 'Clap with me for a whole note (clap and hold), now two half notes (clap-hold, clap-hold), four quarter notes (clap, clap, clap, clap), and eight eighth notes (quick claps).'

Step 3

Rhythm Practice & Challenge

10 minutes

Introduce the Rhythm Challenge Activity. Divide students into small groups (2-3 students). Each group will receive a set of rhythm cards (from the activity) and practice creating short rhythmic sequences.
Encourage them to use clapping, body percussion, or optional small percussion instruments.
Circulate to provide support and listen to their creations. Show Slide 5: Create Your Beat! to guide the activity.

Step 4

Share and Reflect

5 minutes

Have a few groups quickly share one of their rhythmic sequences with the class.
Conclude with the Rhythm Cool Down exit ticket. Ask students to write down their reflections. Then, facilitate a brief class discussion: 'What did you learn about rhythm today?' and 'How can understanding rhythm help you appreciate music more?' Show Slide 6: Reflection for final thoughts.

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Slide Deck

What's Your Beat?

What is rhythm?
Where do you hear rhythm in everyday life?

Engage students with a warm-up question. Encourage sharing diverse examples beyond music.

Rhythm Basics: The Pulse of Music

Rhythm is the pattern of sounds and silences in music.
It gives music its movement and feel.
Think of it like a heartbeat for a song!

Define rhythm simply. Use analogies like a heartbeat or walking pace.

Note Values: Long & Short Sounds

Whole Note: 4 beats (long)
Half Note: 2 beats (medium)
Quarter Note: 1 beat (short)
Eighth Note: 1/2 beat (very short)

Introduce note values with visual examples (draw on board if no visuals on slide). Demonstrate clapping for each.

Let's Clap It Out!

Practice clapping different note values.
Follow my lead!

Lead a guided practice session, combining different note values into simple patterns. Have students echo.

Create Your Beat!

Work in small groups.
Use rhythm cards to build your own unique rhythmic patterns.
Practice clapping or using body percussion.

Explain the Rhythm Challenge Activity and guide students into groups.

Reflection

What did you learn about rhythm today?
How can understanding rhythm help you appreciate music more?

Prompt students for final reflections. Connect back to the initial discussion.

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Activity

Rhythm Challenge Activity

Objective: To create and perform rhythmic patterns using different note values.

Materials:

  • Rhythm Cards (Teacher will provide; each card will have one note: whole note, half note, quarter note, eighth note)
  • Optional: Small percussion instruments (clappers, shakers, drums)

Instructions:

  1. Form Your Group: Work in groups of 2-3 students.

  2. Get Your Cards: Each group will receive a set of rhythm cards. These cards represent different note values:

    • Whole Note: A long sound, lasting for 4 beats.
    • Half Note: A medium sound, lasting for 2 beats.
    • Quarter Note: A short sound, lasting for 1 beat.
    • Eighth Note: A very short sound, lasting for 1/2 beat.

  3. Create Your Rhythm: As a group, arrange 4-6 rhythm cards in a sequence to create a unique rhythmic pattern. Think about how the different long and short sounds will fit together.

  4. Practice Your Beat: Practice performing your rhythmic pattern together. You can:

    • Clap your hands.
    • Stomp your feet.
    • Use other body percussion (snapping, tapping your knees).
    • If available, use small percussion instruments.

  5. Refine and Share: Listen to each other and make sure your rhythm sounds clear. Be ready to share your rhythmic creation with the class!

Challenge Questions:

  • Can you create a rhythm that sounds
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Warm Up

Rhythm Warm Up: What's Your Inner Beat?

Take a moment to think about the sounds around you, even your own body!

  1. Listen In: Close your eyes for a few seconds. What regular, repeating sounds do you notice?






  2. Everyday Rhythms: Can you think of three things you do every day that have a rhythm or a pattern?
    • Example: Walking (left, right, left, right)
    • Your ideas:









  3. Feeling the Beat: How does rhythm make you feel? Does it make you want to move, dance, or sing?






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Cool Down

Rhythm Cool Down: Reflecting on the Beat

Take a few minutes to reflect on what you've learned about rhythm today. Your honest thoughts help me understand what clicked for you!

  1. One New Thing: What is one new thing you learned about rhythm or musical notes today?






  2. My Favorite Rhythm: If you could pick one type of note (whole, half, quarter, or eighth) as your favorite, which would it be and why?






  3. Rhythm in My World: How might you pay more attention to rhythm in the music you listen to or in the world around you, after today's lesson?






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