Au 1 | Reading Notation 1: Rhythm and Tempo

In Year 3, pupils embark on their musical journey by delving into reading notation with a focus on rhythm and tempo. This unit corresponds to the development of rhythmic skills as outlined in the national music curriculum. Students learn to read and understand basic rhythmic patterns, setting a strong foundation for future musical exploration. Building upon their prior experience with pulse and basic rhythm in Key Stage 1, this unit helps them establish a firm grasp of rhythm and tempo, essential for more complex musical endeavours in subsequent years.

• Read and perform simple rhythms confidently with note values such as crotchets and paired quavers.
• Maintain a steady beat and adjust the speed of the beat in response to the music or a leader.

• Introduce the unit
• Warm up
• Keyword
• Rhythm Reading
• Song/rhyme – pulse and tempo / playing together – using rhythm notation
• Song/rhyme – reading notation (rhythm)
• Song/rhyme – reading notation (rhythm)
• Game/movement activity