2nd Grade Understanding And Reading Basic Rhythms Lesson Plan Example

Topic: Understanding and reading basic rhythms

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to understand and read basic rhythms.

Materials

• Metronome
• Song with a simple rhythm (such as "If You're Happy and You Know It" or "Row, Row, Row Your Boat")
• Pieces of paper and crayons or markers

Warm-up

• Ask students if they know what a rhythm is.
• Play a simple song on the metronome and have students tap along with the beat.
• Ask students what they noticed about the beat of the song.
• Explain that a rhythm is the pattern of beats in a song or piece of music.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of basic rhythms and give examples of each:
• quarter note = 1 beat
• eighth note = 1 beat
• sixteenth note = 1 beat
• Have students listen to and tap along with the metronome while you play a simple song with basic rhythms.
• Ask students what they notice about the beat of the song.
• Encourage students to listen for and identify the different rhythms in the song.

Guided Practice

• Divide students into small groups and give each group a set of rhythm cards.
• Have each group take turns holding the rhythm cards up and having a partner identify the rhythm.
• Encourage students to ask questions and discuss what they notice about the different rhythms.
• As a class, go over the different rhythms and have students demonstrate them on their own bodies or a drum.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose one of the basic rhythms (e.g. -beat, -beat, -beat) to focus on for the activity.
• Give each student a piece of paper and a pen, and have them draw a picture of the chosen rhythm and write the word underneath.
• Have students work independently or in small groups to draw and write down as many different examples of the chosen rhythm as they can.
• When students have finished, go through the sheets and discuss any examples that were not correct or clear.

Closure

• Review the four basic rhythms that have been learned during the lesson.
• Ask students to give examples of each rhythm, either by clapping or singing.
• Remind students that it is important to understand and be able to read rhythms in order to be able to play music on instruments such as the drums.

Assessment

• Observe students during the guided and independent practice activities to ensure that they are able to identify and read the four basic rhythms.
• Have students complete a short quiz or worksheet to assess their understanding of the four basic rhythms.