Instrumental - Year 3 Lesson 6

In Lesson 6 of the Year 3 instrumental programme, students are given the opportunity to delve into the world of rhythm and composition. The learning objectives are centred around choosing and organising rhythm patterns, playing un-tuned instruments with control and accuracy, and practising and performing these rhythms in groups. The lesson encourages children to engage with the key musical concepts of pulse, rhythm, layers, and texture. Essential resources for this lesson include claves or similar tapping instruments for each child, 4-beat rhythm flashcards, and Activity Sheet 4, which contains a variety of rhythm patterns for the children to explore.

The main activities of the lesson involve interactive and progressive steps to help students internalise and express rhythm patterns. Starting with the 'Boom Chick a Boom with Instruments' track, children then move on to a five-step process using rhythm flashcards that guides them from vocalising rhythm names to clapping and eventually playing their instruments. In group activities, students choose and organise their own 4-beat patterns, rehearse, and perform their compositions, with the option of an extension activity to play in a round for more advanced skill development. Performances are followed by an appraisal session where students reflect on timing, pulse, and instrument use, and the lesson concludes with a plenary discussion about their experiences with rhythm. Throughout the lesson, the importance of understanding note values, such as 'Ta' and 'Te-te', is emphasised to ensure effective performances.