Rhythm and Pulse Lesson Plan - Year 5 Lesson 4

In the fourth lesson of the Rhythm & Pulse series for Year 5, students are set to deepen their understanding of musical rhythms by engaging in a range of interactive activities. The learning objectives for this lesson are multifaceted: students aim to play rhythm patterns on percussion instruments, improve their musical memory by internalising a 16-beat rhythm pattern, maintain their own part while playing instruments in concert with others, and explore improvisation. Key vocabulary terms such as 'pulse', 'rhythm', and 'internalise' are emphasised to enhance the children's musical terminology. The resources required for this lesson are a selection of un-tuned percussion instruments, which will be used in various exercises.

The lesson begins with the 'Rhythm Memory Game' where children are encouraged to memorise and recite rhythm patterns, progressively increasing the challenge by turning over rhythm cards. Following this, they are handed instruments and perform both 4-beat and extended 8-beat patterns, transitioning from chanting to playing. The lesson also revisits the chant 'Double Double This This', which children practice in different modalities, including chanting, clapping, and playing. They are then divided into groups to play the pulse, rhythm, and an ostinato pattern, culminating in a group performance. An improvised performance activity helps assess the children's ability to maintain a steady pulse and fit clapped patterns into an 8-beat rhythm. The plenary involves a game called 'Changing Patterns' that challenges the students to tap and clap in decreasing sequences. Throughout the lesson, students are encouraged to appraise their own and others' performances, fostering a reflective learning environment. Teacher notes clarify the concept of an ostinato and the lesson's alignment with the National Curriculum is highlighted, ensuring the objectives are met with increasing control and accuracy.