Lesson 3: Viking notation

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Subjects >
Music >
Key stage 2 >
Year 3 >
Developing singing technique (Theme: the Vikings) >
Lesson 3: Viking notation

Learning objective

To recognise simple rhythmic notation by ear and by sight.

Success criteria

I can recognise and name note rhythms when

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National curriculum

Music

Pupils should be taught to:

Listen

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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: High five! Arrange the children in pairs and ask them to think of five things they remember from the previous lesson about how to perform the Vikings song.

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Adaptive teaching

Pupils needing extra support:

Could practise the Viking notation activity in the Main event at a slower tempo.
Could practise the rhythms on slide 1 in pairs first.

Pupils working at greater depth:

Could lead a group in successfully clapping and singing out each rhythm.
Could create their own phrase to represent each rhythm duration.

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Assessing progress and understanding

Pupils with secure understanding can:

Recognise minims, crotchets and quavers, often by ear

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Vocabulary definitions

crotchet

A note lasting one beat.
duration

The length of time each note is played for (long or short).

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In this unit

Assessment - Music Y3: Developing singing technique (Vikings)

Lesson 1: Here come the Vikings!

Lesson 2: Sing like a Viking

Lesson 3: Viking notation

Lesson 4: Viking battle song

Lesson 5: Perform like a Viking

Originally created by:

Elizabeth Stafford

Music specialist

After a brief spell as an opera singer, Liz embarked on a 20-year career in music education, teaching at early years, primary and secondary. After Liz had her daughter, she started her own business Music Education Solutions® Limited, helping teachers across the UK…

Find out more

Maintained by: Kapow Primary team

Last update: 30th March, 2026

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Learning objective

Success criteria

National curriculum

Cross-curricular links

Before the lesson

Lesson plan

Recap and recall

Extended-mode explainer videos

Adaptive teaching

Assessing progress and understanding

Vocabulary definitions

crotchet

duration

In this unit

Elizabeth Stafford

Music specialist

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