Lesson Plan
What's Your Beat?
Students will identify and perform whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes through guided clapping exercises, then compose a simple four-measure rhythm using these note values.
Understanding rhythm and note values is fundamental for musical literacy, ensemble coordination, and creative expression. This lesson builds confidence in reading and creating rhythms, supporting future instrumental and vocal studies.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Active clapping drills and pair composition tasks.
Materials
- Whiteboard and Markers, - Metronome or Metronome App, - Rhythm Note Value Chart, - Rhythm Flashcards Set, - Blank Staff Paper Handout, and - Student Rhythm Reflection Sheet
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of:
- Load or set up a metronome or metronome app at 60 BPM.
- Review the note values and familiarize yourself with the flashcard patterns.
Step 1
Warm-Up Clapping Exercise
5 minutes
- Set metronome to 60 BPM.
- Teacher claps a steady quarter-note pulse; students echo each measure.
- Gradually introduce half and whole notes by clapping and counting aloud.
Step 2
Note Value Introduction
7 minutes
- Display Rhythm Note Value Chart.
- Review duration and counting for whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes.
- Students practice clapping each note value while counting aloud.
Step 3
Rhythm Clapping Drill
8 minutes
- Divide class into small groups.
- Each group selects a card from Rhythm Flashcards Set.
- Groups clap their flashcard pattern together in sync with the metronome.
- Rotate cards so each group practices multiple patterns.
Step 4
Composition Activity
7 minutes
- Provide pairs with Blank Staff Paper Handout.
- Instruct students to compose a four-measure rhythm using whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes.
- Encourage creativity and correct notation.
- Teacher circulates to offer guidance.
Step 5
Closure & Assessment
3 minutes
- Invite a few pairs to perform their composed rhythms for the class.
- Distribute Student Rhythm Reflection Sheet.
- Students complete reflection: identify note values used and self-assess clapping accuracy.
- Collect sheets as an exit ticket.
Slide Deck
What's Your Beat?
A 30-minute 7th-grade music lesson on basic rhythm and note values.
• Read • Clap • Compose simple 4-measure rhythms
Welcome students! Introduce today’s focus on basic rhythm and note values. Explain we’ll listen, clap, and create rhythms together. Show enthusiasm to build confidence.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will:
• Identify whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes
• Perform each note value by clapping in time
• Compose and notate a 4-measure rhythm using these notes
Point out why rhythm matters: it’s the foundation of all music. Relate to their favorite songs to spark interest.
Rhythm Note Value Chart
Whole note (𝅝) = 4 beats
Half note (𝅗𝅥) = 2 beats
Quarter note (♩) = 1 beat
Eighth note (♪) = ½ beat
Display the Rhythm Note Value Chart handout and review each symbol’s shape and beat value. Clap examples slowly, counting aloud.
Warm-Up Clapping Exercise
- Metronome @ 60 BPM
- Teacher claps a steady quarter-note pulse; students echo by measure
- Introduce half and whole notes: clap + count (“1-2-3-4”)
Set metronome to 60 BPM. Lead students in echo clapping. Start with steady quarter-note pulse, then introduce half and whole notes.
Rhythm Flashcard Patterns
Example patterns:
• Quarter, Quarter, Eighth-Eighth, Quarter
• Half, Quarter, Quarter
• Eighth-Eighth, Eighth-Eighth, Quarter, Quarter
Groups will clap these in sync
Show the flashcard patterns if available. Demonstrate one pattern with the metronome before handing cards out.
Rhythm Clapping Drill
- In groups, draw a flashcard from the set
- Practice clapping the pattern in time with the metronome
- Rotate cards so each group tries multiple patterns
Divide students into small groups and distribute flashcards. Circulate to check for accuracy and keep groups on beat.
Composition Activity
- Pair up and take a Blank Staff Paper handout
- Compose a 4-measure rhythm using whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes
- Notate clearly and prepare to clap your rhythm
Distribute blank staff paper. Model a simple 4-measure example on the board. Encourage creativity but correct notation.
Closure & Reflection
• Selected pairs clap their composed rhythms for the class
• Complete Student Rhythm Reflection Sheet:
– Which note values did you use?
– How accurate was your clapping?
• Turn in reflection as your exit ticket
Invite 2–3 pairs to perform. Then hand out reflection sheets and explain the exit ticket.
Worksheet
Rhythm Note Values
Part A: Note Beats
Fill in the number of beats for each note value.
- Whole note (𝅝) = ______ beats
- Half note (𝅗𝅥) = ______ beats
- Quarter note (♩) = ______ beats
- Eighth note (♪) = ______ beats
Part B: Clap & Count
Set your metronome to 60 BPM. Clap each rhythm below and write the counts under each symbol (use numbers “1 2 3 4” and “&” for eighth-note subdivisions).
- ♩ ♩ ♩ ♩
Counts: ______ ______ ______ ______ - 𝅗𝅥 ♩ ♩
Counts: ______ ______ ______ - ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♩ ♩
Counts: ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
Part C: Transcribe Counts to Notation
Using your Blank Staff Paper Handout, notate the following rhythmic counts in one 4/4 measure:
Counts: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
Part D: Composition
Compose one full 4/4 measure using at least one of each note value (whole, half, quarter, eighth).
Notate your original rhythm on a new staff from your Blank Staff Paper Handout.
Part E: Reflection
Which note value did you find most challenging today, and why?
Write a short explanation below.
Rubric
Rhythm Composition Rubric
Use this rubric to assess students’ four-measure rhythm compositions and performances. Scores range from 4 (Exemplary) to 1 (Beginning).
| Criteria | 4 – Exemplary | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition Accuracy | • Composition fills exactly four 4/4 measures • All measures total 4 beats with no leftover or missing beats | • Composition fills four measures • One minor counting error (±½ beat) | • Composition may have two measures correctly notated, with errors totaling 1–2 beats | • Composition is incomplete or total beats per measure are consistently incorrect |
| Note Value Correctness | • Includes at least one of each: whole, half, quarter, eighth notes • All note values correctly notated and spaced | • Uses three of the four required note values correctly • One minor notation error | • Uses two required note values correctly • Multiple notation errors | • Uses fewer than two correct note values; notation is unclear |
| Creativity & Musicality | • Rhythm shows originality and thoughtful design (varied patterns, syncopation, contrast) • Demonstrates clear understanding of rhythmic flow | • Some variety and originality in pattern selection • Generally musical phrasing | • Limited variety; patterns are repetitive or overly simple | • No evident creativity; patterns lack musical interest |
| Performance & Rhythm Accuracy | • Clapping/performance is steady, in perfect time with metronome (60 BPM) • Counts accurately without hesitation | • Performance is mostly steady; one brief lapse in pulse or count | • Noticeable inconsistency in pulse/count; several hesitations | • Unable to maintain a steady beat; frequent stops or rushing/slowing |
Scoring Guide:
- 16–14 points: Exceeds expectations (mostly 4’s)
- 13–10 points: Meets expectations (mostly 3’s and above)
- 9–6 points: Approaching expectations (mix of 2’s and 3’s)
- 5–4 points: Needs support (mostly 1’s and 2’s)
Total Score: ____ / 16
Cool Down
Student Rhythm Reflection Sheet
Thank you for participating in today’s rhythm lesson! Please complete the questions below as your exit ticket.
1. Note Values Used
Which of the following note values did you include in your four-measure composition?
(Check all that apply and/or list any others.)
- Whole note (𝅝)
- Half note (𝅗𝅥)
- Quarter note (♩)
- Eighth note (♪)
Other: ____________________________
2. Clapping Accuracy Self-Assessment
On a scale of 1–4 (4 being steady and in perfect time), rate your clapping performance today. Explain your rating.
Rating: __ / 4
Explanation:
3. Challenge Reflection
Which note value or rhythm pattern did you find most challenging today, and why?
4. Goal Setting
What is one specific goal you will set to improve your rhythm skills for our next lesson?
Thank you! Please hand this sheet to your teacher as you leave.