Compose and Create: exploring and performing rhythm patterns
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Why this why now
This unit introduces rhythm to the pupils. We introduce the keywords ‘composer’ and ‘composition’ and pupils participate in their first composition task: ordering and repeating rhythmic patterns using picture flash cards. By chanting and playing their compositions on untuned percussion, the pupils experience their first success in composition. This clear and simple scaffold for composition provides the foundations for future composition units. Pupils follow classroom routines for using percussion instruments safely and in a positive and purposeful way.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Teachers have established some classroom routines that would be beneficial to the unit, such as sitting in a circle, echoing and moving around the room.
- Pupils have experienced rhythm and pulse as part of simple chants and rhymes.
- Pupils have rehearsed coming in together guided by a count-in such as ‘ready, steady, off we go’.
- Pupils will have experienced turn-taking in song as a precursor to learning to echo rhythmic patterns.
- Pupils will have used representational pictures or manipulatives in other subjects.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit introduces rhythm to the pupils. We introduce the keywords ‘composer’ and ‘composition’ and pupils participate in their first composition task: ordering and repeating rhythmic patterns using picture flash cards. By chanting and playing their compositions on untuned percussion, the pupils experience their first success in composition. This clear and simple scaffold for composition provides the foundations for future composition units. Pupils follow classroom routines for using percussion instruments safely and in a positive and purposeful way.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Teachers have established some classroom routines that would be beneficial to the unit, such as sitting in a circle, echoing and moving around the room.
- Pupils have experienced rhythm and pulse as part of simple chants and rhymes.
- Pupils have rehearsed coming in together guided by a count-in such as ‘ready, steady, off we go’.
- Pupils will have experienced turn-taking in song as a precursor to learning to echo rhythmic patterns.
- Pupils will have used representational pictures or manipulatives in other subjects.
Compose and Create: exploring and performing rhythm patterns
In this unit, pupils use minibeast names to rehearse and compose simple four beat rhythms by clapping, chanting and performing on untuned percussion. They use minibeast images to order and repeat these rhythms. Backing tracks are used to aid rehearsal and performance of their rhythmic compositions.
6 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Compose and Create: exploring and performing rhythm patterns unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our primary music curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for primary music programmes.