Beat Master Lesson Plan

Unit 1: The Building Blocks of Music • Lesson 1

Objective

Students will demonstrate a steady beat through movement and body percussion while listening to varied musical tracks.

Duration

30 Minutes

Gear List

Intro to Beat Slides
Beat Buddy Toy (or beanbag)
Marching Music Playlist
Rhythm Sticks (optional)

The Game Plan

5

Beat Exploration Warm-up

Have students find their "heartbeat" by placing a hand on their chest. Explain that music has a heartbeat too! Start a simple 4/4 clap and have them join in.

5

Introduce Steady Beat

Use the Intro to Beat Slides. Define steady beat as the "never-ending pulse." Compare it to a clock's tick or walking steps.

8

Body Percussion & Beat Buddy

Practice tapping the beat on shoulders, knees, and toes. Hand out "Beat Buddies" (beanbags) and have students tap the buddy to the beat of a song.

10

Marching Music Game

High-energy marching around the room. When the music stops, students must freeze like a statue. Focus on staying "on the beat" while marching.

2

Rhythm Cool-down

Transition to floor sitting. One slow, collective deep breath for every 4 beats to settle down.

Can You Feel the Beat

Beat Master Lesson Plan

Intro to Beat Slides

Beat Buddy Activity

Marching Music Game