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

Learning objective

  • To play syncopated rhythms as part of a group.

Success criteria

  • I can play in time.
  • I can hold my
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National curriculum

Music

Pupils should be taught to:

  • Play
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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: Explain the answer. Working in pairs, ask the children to discuss why syncopated rhythms might ‘surprise your ears’.

Learning objective

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Adaptive teaching

Pupils needing extra support:

Could be given the shakers to play; could focus on either the steady beat or the ‘Chewy toffee’ rhythm.

Pupils working at greater depth:

Should play the more challenging ‘Jumping around’ rhythm and stick to the pulse; could guide other children in their group to stay in time.

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Assessing progress and understanding

Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: playing their rhythm in time with

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Vocabulary definitions

  • beat

    The steady pulse in a piece of music.

  • rhythm

    A pattern of long and short sounds in a piece of music.

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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: 12th October, 2025

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Lesson 2: Pulse and rhythm Previous Lesson
Lesson 4: Composing a break Next Lesson

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