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Lesson 2 of 6
Keeping a steady beat as we move, sing and play
I can move to the beat of the music and know when it is my turn to sing, move and respond in time.
Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
Keeping a steady beat as we move, sing and play
I can move to the beat of the music and know when it is my turn to sing, move and respond in time.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- We can use movements, body percussion and instruments to help us feel the pulse and hear the beat.
- When we keep a steady beat we are able to sing our responses and join in with musical games at the correct moment.
- We understand the structure of our songs and know when it is our turn to sing and play.
Keywords
Beat - the playing or showing of the steady pulse, like the ticking of a clock
Pulse - the regular, steady heartbeat of the music
Structure - the way the music is organised
Common misconception
Beat and rhythm are interchangeable terminology.
The beat is the consistent audible sound of the underlying pulse. Rhythm is the pattern of sounds and silences which can be a combination of sounds of any duration.
Repeat songs and games, using many different actions to help pupils internalise the pulse. For example marching in time, clapping in time or patting their knees in time. Some motor skills make this easier than others; marching may result in pupils stamping too loudly making the music inaudible.
Teacher tip
Equipment
ball, drum, class set of percussion instruments that can keep a clean beat e.g. claves
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.Warming up before singing helps...
Warming up before singing helps...
us to hear new instruments.
get us to sing as loud as possible.
Q2.The regular, steady heartbeat of the music is called the .
The regular, steady heartbeat of the music is called the .
Q3.Match the musical term to the definition.
Match the musical term to the definition.
create high and low sounds with our voice
speaking in time to a pulse
Q4.A percussion instrument is played by...
A percussion instrument is played by...
striking, blowing or scraping.
shaking, scraping or strumming.
Assessment exit quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.True or false. When we sing the response in a call and response song, we sing an exact copy of the call.
True or false. When we sing the response in a call and response song, we sing an exact copy of the call.
Q2.When we play on the beat, we are...
When we play on the beat, we are...
changing from playing quietly to playing loudly.
playing the patterns of sound, like the syllables of the words.
Q3.Why do we practise our sense of pulse by playing on the beat?
Why do we practise our sense of pulse by playing on the beat?
So we can play high and low notes.
So we can play quietly and loudly.
Q4.When we think about the way the music is organised, we are thinking about the musical .
When we think about the way the music is organised, we are thinking about the musical .
