1st Grade Practice Basic Rhythmic Patterns Using Body Percussion, Simple Instruments, Or Recorded Music. Lesson Plan Example

Topic:Develop an understanding of steady beat by clapping, patting, or moving to a rhythmic pulse.

Objectives & Outcomes

• By the end of the lesson, students will be able to clap, pat, or move to a steady beat.
• By the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify the steady beat in a song.

Materials

• Song of steady beat (or recorded music with steady beat)
• Hand movements (such as clapping or patting)
• Timer or clock

Warm-up

• Have students stand in a circle.
• Play the song of steady beat (or recorded music with steady beat) and have students watch you as you clap, pat, or move to the beat.
• When the song is over, have students share with the group: -What did you see the teacher do?
• How did the teacher move to the beat?
• Can you do the same movements to the next song?

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of steady beat and explain that it is the repeated pattern of sound and movement that makes up a song.
• Demonstrate how to clap, pat, or move to a rhythmic pulse, and have students watch and imitate.
• Play the song of steady beat again, and have students watch and imitate your movements to the beat.
• Encourage students to try different movements or create their own to the beat.

Guided Practice

• Divide the class into small groups and give each group a instrument to play.
• Play the song of steady beat again, and have students move or dance to the beat while using the instrument to add another layer of sound.
• Allow each group to take a turn demonstrating their movements and playing their instrument.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose a favorite song and find the beat.
• Ask students to find the beat in their favorite song and then move their body or a prop in time with the beat.
• Encourage students to think about the movement they are making and how it is related to the beat.

Closure

• Review the concept of a steady beat and how it can be found in music.
• Ask students to share their favorite songs and the movement they made while listening to the beat.

Assessment

• Observe students during the independent practice and make note of their movements and any success they have in staying on beat.
• Have students complete a short questionnaire or written response on their experience with listening to and moving to the steady beat.