Rhythm and Pulse Lesson Plan - Year 2 Lesson 1

The Year 2 Rhythm & Pulse Lesson Plan is designed to help children understand and internalise the concept of a pulse or steady beat in music. The lesson's learning objectives focus on continuing to learn about pulse and how to maintain it through actions while singing, as well as following a changing tempo. Key vocabulary for this lesson includes 'Pulse' and 'Time', and the main resource required is a drum. The lesson involves a variety of engaging and interactive activities that encourage students to experience rhythm in different ways.

Activities include playing the call and response game 'BOOM CHICK-A-BOOM', where children repeat a chant with varying speeds, volumes, and emotional expressions, while incorporating actions to help internalise the rhythm. Other games such as 'WHO HAS A BROTHER?' and 'HI, MY NAME'S JO' are call and response activities that build on the concept of pulse with added movements. 'GRANDMA, GRANDMA' is a chant with actions performed while standing in a circle, with specific movements for different lines. The DRUM GAME introduces tempo changes, where children clap or perform actions in time with beats played on a drum, learning to adapt to fast, slow, and varying rhythms. The lesson concludes with a plenary discussion about the use of voice in chanting and singing, followed by a goodbye song with actions. This lesson aligns with the National Curriculum's aim of using voices expressively and creatively in singing and chanting.