Rhythm and Pulse Reception Notations - Everybody do this

In an engaging music lesson aimed at Reception children, the focus is on rhythm and pulse, with the simple and catchy song "Everybody do this." The lesson starts with the teacher singing the song and performing an action, which the children are encouraged to imitate. This interactive approach allows children to connect the beat of the song to the movements they make, helping them to understand the concept of rhythm through physical activity. As the song is repeated, the teacher changes the action each time, maintaining the children's interest and reinforcing the rhythm through varied movements.

Building on this, the lesson progresses by inviting the children to contribute their own actions. They are given time and suggestions to come up with creative movements, fostering their imagination and confidence. Children are then called to the front, or within a circle, to lead the group by performing their chosen action while everyone sings along. The song can be personalised further by incorporating the child's name into the final line, for example, "just like Tom," enhancing their sense of involvement. To deepen the musical experience, the activity can be expanded by adding claps to the end line, synchronising the group's actions with the pulse of the music. This method of teaching not only makes learning about rhythm and pulse fun but also promotes social skills and active participation.