1. Subjects >
  2. Music >
  3. Key stage 2 >
  4. Year 4 >
  5. Samba and carnival sounds and instruments (Theme: South America) >
  6. Lesson 2: Pulse and rhythm

Learning objective

  • To understand and play syncopated rhythms.

Success criteria

  • I can recognise the on-beat.
  • I can explain what
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National curriculum

Music

Pupils should be taught to:

  • Appreciate
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Cross-curricular links

None.

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Before the lesson

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Lesson plan

Recap and recall

Display the Presentation: Gimme five! Working in pairs, ask the children to think of five things they remember about samba music from the last lesson, then give each other a high five.

Learning objective

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Extended-mode explainer videos

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Extended-mode explainer video: For Mac

Extended-mode explainer video: For Windows

Adaptive teaching

Pupils needing extra support: 

Should be given the easier rhythms to play, such as ‘1 2 3 4’ (slide 2) and the ‘Chewy Toffee’ rhythm (slide 3).

Pupils working at greater depth: 

Should help lead the class when learning the rhythms on slide 3, should be encouraged to play the more challenging rhythms, such as ‘I’m jumping around’.

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Assessing progress and understanding

Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: being able to clap on the

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Vocabulary definitions

  • samba

    A fast-paced, rhythmic Brazilian music style played by a percussion ensemble.

  • off-beat

    The beats in between the regular pulse of a rhythm.

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In this unit

Assessment: Music Y4: Samba and carnival sounds and instruments

Lesson 1: Introduction to samba

Lesson 2: Pulse and rhythm

Lesson 3: Samba rhythms

Lesson 4: Composing a break

Lesson 5: Samba performance

Originally created by:

Laura Barr

Music specialist

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In her 14 year teaching career, Laura assumed the role of Music Lead, and was Head of Music in a large secondary school. Laura has a passion for working with children with a disadvantaged background, either through deprivation or disability, and now works…
Find out more
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Maintained by: Kapow Primary team

Last update: 2nd December, 2025

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Lesson 1: Introduction to samba Previous Lesson
Lesson 3: Samba rhythms Next Lesson

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