Beat Heartbeat

Lesson Plan: Can You Feel the Beat?

30 Minutes

Kindergarten

OBJECTIVE

Students will be able to demonstrate a steady beat through movement and body percussion while listening to music.

KEY CONCEPTS

Steady Beat
Rhythm
Movement
Listening

MATERIALS

Intro to Beat Slides
Beat Buddy Activity
Marching Music Game
Upbeat Marching Music

Instructional Arc

5m

Beat Exploration Warm-up

Students find their own heartbeat. Use "Gentle Paps" on the chest to mirror the heart's rhythm. Lead students in a slow walk around the room that matches the speed of a ticking clock.

5m

Introduce Steady Beat

Use the Intro to Beat Slides. Explain that the beat is the "heartbeat" of music. It stays the same, like a clock ticking or feet walking. Contrast with "silence" or random "chaotic" sounds.

5m

Body Percussion Practice

Model clapping a steady beat. Have students echo. Try different body parts: lap pats, toe taps, and shoulder shrugs. Keep the tempo slow and consistent.

10m

Musical Game: Marching Music

Play the Marching Music Game. Students act as a "Musical Parade." When the music starts, they march to the beat. When it stops, they "freeze" like statues.

5m

Rhythm Cool-down

Have students sit in a circle. Use the Beat Buddy Activity sheet to reflect. End with 10 seconds of "silent beat" where they tap their legs very softly.

Assessment

Observe students during the marching game. Can they synchronize their steps with the music? Are they freezing immediately when the music stops?

Differentiation

For Support: Pair students with a "Beat Buddy" (peer or teacher) to hold hands while marching. For Challenge: Ask students to tap the beat on their head while marching with their feet.

Can You Feel the Beat?

Beat Heartbeat Lesson Plan

Intro to Beat Slides

Beat Buddy Activity Sheet

Marching Music Game Guide