A template page that can be used for 3 songs or rhythms of your choice.
Ways you can use this worksheet:
- Dictate the rhythm of a known song and then see if your students recognise the song,
- Tell your class the name of the song to write in
- Create your own 16 beat rhythms.
- Use a combination of rhythms from "Tika-tika Toolbox"
- Use a combination of rhythmic flash cards.
Suggested approach:
It’s helpful for our students to work with a rhythm many times using known songs before moving to unknown songs and unknown rhythms. Depending on how comfortable your class is with their newest rhythm, you can choose a known or an unknown song for this dictation activity or create your own rhythm.
1) Prepare for the activity by clapping a 4 beat rhythm then having the class clap it back - do this with several different rhythms.
2) As for step 1, but when the class claps it back, have them now say the rhythm names as well. (E.g. ta, ti-ti, ti-tika, ta.)
Having prepared your students, move now to the dictation activity...
3) The teacher claps the rhythm of line 1.
4) Students silently tap the rhythm on their knee or on the worksheet itself and try to think of the rhythm names.
5) Students write down the first line.
6) Repeat steps 3-5 for lines 2-4.
7) Teacher claps the whole rhythm while students check their work.
8) Collect worksheet for marking or mark as a class.
9) Write the correct rhythm on the board and have everyone clap it or select some students to play on instruments - e.g. xylophone - some on C, some on an E.