Reading rhythms: Patterns and layers
Developing an understanding of simple rhythms.
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Reading rhythms: Patterns and layers
You're viewing: 2026 Scheme. This is the updated scheme for September 2026 onwards. Explore the current scheme
Important
This unit has been updated to reflect Kapow Primary’s revised Music progression.
Note: if teaching the recommended Instrumental scheme and curriculum time is limited, omit this unit and teach Music, Instrumental lessons, Unit 1: South Africa. instead.
See Music: Instrumental scheme for more information.
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Copy body percussion patterns while maintaining a steady beat.
- Create their own body percussion patterns and perform them while maintaining a steady beat.
- Recognise crotchets, paired quavers and crotchet rests and say how many beats they are worth.
- Create and play a rhythm that uses crotchets, paired quavers and crotchet rests.
- Recall the note lengths of crotchets, paired quavers, crotchet rests and minims.
- Begin to maintain a rhythm that uses crotchets, paired quavers, crotchet rests and minims while hearing other rhythms.
- Create and notate a four-beat rhythm using notes and rests accurately.
- Check a rhythm adds up to four beats using note values.
- Perform confidently as part of a group performance while maintaining a steady beat.
- Perform their rhythm as part of a group while other rhythms are being played.
Prior learning
Mountain melodies: Steps and leaps
Get startedLessons
Lesson 1: Keeping a beat
Lesson 2: Crotchets, paired quavers and rests
Lesson 3: Playing minims
Lesson 4: Writing rhythms
Lesson 5: Performing rhythms
Key skills
Key knowledge
Equipment list
Equipment needed across all lessons in this unit.
This list does not include equipment which is usually readily available in the classroom (e.g pencils, A4 paper etc)
Full equipment list for the subject
Related content
Unit resources
Cross-curricular opportunities
None.