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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Dino-rhythms

Students will read rhythm notations written on dinosaur shapes, discover how to play two digit number patterns, create their own rhythm patterns and play rhythms on unpitched percussion instruments.

A lesson plan for grades 1–2 Music Education

By Amy Snyder

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

  • read rhythm notation using quarter notes, eighth notes and quarter rests.
  • combine 2 four-beat rhythms.
  • transfer these rhythm patterns to unpitched percussion instruments.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

30 minutes

Materials/resources

  • 4 large dinosaur shapes with 4-beat rhythms notated
  • unpitched percussion instruments (hand drums, triangles, wood blocks, rhythm sticks etc.)
  • individual die-cut dinosaur shapes with 4-beat rhythms written on them (enough for each student to have one)

Pre-activities

  • Students have learned quarter notes (ta), eighth notes (ti-ti), and quarter rests (shhh).
  • Teacher has provided many opportunities for reading rhythms. This includes imitation using body percussion (snapping, clapping, patting, and stamping)

Activities

  1. Teacher displays dinosaur shapes with rhythms on bulletin board or focal wall.
  2. Teacher asks students to clap rhythm #1. Students will say the rhythm as they clap. (Ex. ta-ta-titi-ta).
  3. Continue with rhythms 2-6 (or how many rhythms you decide to use.)
  4. Teacher uses various methods : (clapping, snapping, patting, stamping).
  5. Teacher calls for students to clap rhythm #14. See if students figure out for themselves that it would be rhythm #1 and rhythm #4.
  6. Call for other 2 digit number rhythms to clap.
  7. After several responses, divide the class into groups of two. Give each group 4 die-cut dinosaur shapes with a 4-beat rhythm notated on it. One partner will make a pattern using 2 dinosaur rhythms for the other partner to clap. The other partner takes a turn. Continue until each partner takes a turn.
  8. The groups then make a pattern using 4 dinosaur shapes. This time they work together instead of taking turns. Clap the pattern together.
  9. Give each group percussion instruments to perform their rhythms.
  10. Each group performs their rhythms for the class.

Assessment

Teacher will observe and monitor each group as they work. Each group will perform their rhythm pattern for the entire class.

North Carolina curriculum alignment

Music Education (2001)

Grade 2

  • Goal 1: The learner will sing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
  • Goal 2: The learner will play on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
  • Goal 6: The learner will listen to, analyze, and describe music.
    • Objective 6.01: Identify simple music forms when presented aurally including AB, ABA, and Introduction/Coda.

  • North Carolina Essential Standards

    • Music Education (2010)

      • Grade 1

        • 1.ML.2 Interpret the sound and symbol systems of music. 1.ML.2.1 Interpret rhythm patterns that use iconic or standard notation for quarter notes, quarter rests and beamed eighth notes. 1.ML.2.2 Execute three-pitch songs with voice and/or instruments. 1.ML.2.3...
        • 1.ML.3 Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources. 1.ML.3.1 Use improvisation to create two-phrase melodies using three pitches. 1.ML.3.2 Select a variety of traditional and non-traditional sound sources to accompany readings, stories, or...

      • Grade 2

        • 2.ML.2 Interpret the sound and symbol systems of music. 2.ML.2.1 Interpret rhythm patterns using standard notation for half and quarter notes, half and quarter rests, and beamed eighth notes. 2.ML.2.2 Interpret three-pitch songs that use traditional music...
        • 2.ML.3 Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources. 2.ML.3.1 Use improvisation to create simple rhythmic and melodic variations on familiar melodies. 2.ML.3.2 Create extended rhythmic patterns over a steady beat. 2.ML.3.3 Create rhythm patterns...