Performing Rhythmic Patterns Using Dice Game

Name: Krystina Heien, Dana Franey Grade level for this lesson: 2nd grade

I. Academic Content Standards.

Music Grade 2, 1.0 Processing, Analyzing, and Responding to Sensory
Information Through the Language and Skills Unique to Music
1.1 Read, write, and perform simple rhythmic patterns, using eighth notes, quarter
notes, half notes, and rests.

Prior Learning.
The students have already learned the basic notes: eighth notes, quarter notes,
half notes, whole notes and rests. They have also learned simple rhythmic patterns.

II. Unit of Study.

The unit of study is writing and performing rhythmic patterns.

III. Academic Learning Outcomes.

1. Students will be able to distinguish between eighth notes, quarter notes, half
notes, whole notes and rests.
2. Students will be able to write out the notes to create a rhythmic pattern.
3. Students will be able to perform a simple rhythmic pattern.

IV. Implementation.
A. Introduction to the lesson
Today we will be playing a game to practice rhythmic patterns. Before we play the game
we are going to review all the different notes. Who can tell me which of these notes is a
half note? (Notes will already be written on whiteboard.) Which one is a quarter note?
(Go through all five notes.) Nice job remembering all notes we learned last class!

Lets get into groups of three to play our game. Each of you will get a different job in
your group. Dont worry if you do not get the first job you want, as we will be switching
jobs so that everyone gets a turn. There will be three jobs; scribe, dice roller and the
rhythm stick person. I am going to go over the directions and then you may pick your
jobs. Each group will get two sets of dice, one set of rhythm sticks and a piece of paper.
The dice have a different note on each side. First roll the dice. (Demonstrate.) Then the
scribe will write down the four notes on the paper. (Demonstrate.) Then the person with
the rhythm sticks will tap out the notes. As a class we can use our hands to tap the beat
out. (Demonstrate.) Does anyone have any questions? (Take questions.) Good. You
may pick the job you want while I pass out the items. (Pass out two sets of dice, rhythm
sticks, and paper.) In 10 minutes I will call switch and you may switch jobs. (Circulate
around classroom.) (After 10 minutes call switch. Circulate.) (After another 10 minutes
call switch.)

B. Sequence of Activities
1. Review.
a. Call on different students to label the five notes on the whiteboard.
2. Get into groups of three.
3. Give directions on how to play the game.
4. Demonstrate how to play the game as a class.
5. Have the students pick the job they want.
6. Pass out rhythm sticks, two sets of dice and paper. (If rhythm sticks are not
available students can use their hands and clap)
7. Circulate around the class. Make sure students are on task. Give help and
answer any questions.
8. Give the students 10 minutes to play the game, call switch to change jobs.
9. Continue to circulate.
10. Call switch after 10 minutes of play.

C. Closure.
After about 30 minutes of playing the game bring the students attention back to the
front of the class. Ask the each group to perform one of their rhythms.

V. Assessment.
1. The teacher will monitor students during the activity to check for understanding of
the different notes and rhythmic patterns.
2. The teacher will also listen to each groups rhythmic performance during the
closure to check for understanding.
VI. Materials
Rhythm sticks (if available)
Set of dice with the different notes
Paper
Pencils