Rhythm and Pulse Lesson Plan - Year 4 Lesson 5

In the fifth lesson for Year 4 on Rhythm & Pulse, the learning objectives are to enable students to create and perform rhythm rounds in collaborative groups, using a combination of voices, body percussion, and instruments. The key terms for the lesson include 'rhythm', 'pulse', 'compose', and 'round'. The resources required for the session are un-tuned percussion instruments. The lesson begins with listening to 'Hi, My Name's Jo' to introduce rhythm rounds, followed by the class chanting and clapping a written rhythm sequence in two groups, first with voices and then with instruments. The students are encouraged to listen to one another to create a harmonious overall sound.

The main activity involves the students composing their own rhythm rounds using a structure of four rows of four beats, with 'TA', 'Te-Te', and 'REST' as the building blocks. After composing, they have the opportunity to share their rounds with the class and perform them together. The class then rehearses these rhythms in small groups, starting with chanting and clapping, and progressing to using instruments once they are confident. Differentiation is provided with simpler tasks for some groups and more complex tasks for the more able. The lesson culminates in performances of the composed rhythm rounds, followed by appraisal from peers to provide constructive feedback. The plenary includes singing 'Goodbye Everyone' in various forms, including as a round. All activities are designed to support the National Curriculum's objectives for music education, focusing on understanding and exploring different musical elements, composing, and ensemble performance.