Lesson Overview

Year Level: 2 (with a worksheet introduction for Year 3)
Subject: Music
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 30 students
Curriculum: NSW Curriculum for The Arts – Music (Years 1-2 and scaffolded to Year 3 introduction)

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Identify and describe different types of music.
• Recognise where and why people listen to music in everyday life.
• Explore musical elements through listening and movement.
• Introduce types of music to prepare for Year 3 learning.

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Success Criteria

• I can name at least three types of music.
• I can explain where I might hear these types of music.
• I can show how the music makes me feel or how I might move to it.
• I have completed the worksheet about music types with some help if needed.

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NSW Curriculum Links

Music Content Descriptions for Year 2:

• Respond to music by identifying where they experience it, describing how and why people experience music across cultures and contexts (ACAMUM029).
• Explore and combine the elements of music (beat, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, tempo, and timbre) through improvisation and performance (ACAMUM030).
• Use body percussion, singing, and instrumental playing in informal settings (ACAMUM031).

Preparatory for Year 3 introduction:

• Recognising and describing different music types and purposes, setting foundation for more structured learning about styles and cultures in Year 3 (ACAMUM064 for Year 3) .

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Engagement (5 minutes)

• Teacher greets students and introduces the day’s focus: exploring different types of music.
• Discuss where we hear music (home, school, celebrations, TV, outdoors).
• WALT and success criteria shared in student-friendly language.

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2. Listening Experience & Group Discussion (10 minutes)

• Play short 30-second clips of three distinct types of music. Examples suitable for Year 2 might include:
  a) Classical (e.g., lively orchestral)
  b) Pop (a popular children’s song)
  c) Traditional/folk music (e.g., Indigenous Australian music or multicultural folk music).
• After each clip, ask:
  • What kind of music was that?
  • How did it make you feel?
  • Where might you hear this type of music?
  • Can you move or clap to the beat? (Encourage simple rhythmic response).
• This helps meet the curriculum goal of describing experiences and feelings about music and its contexts.

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3. Active Music Exploration (7 minutes)

• In pairs or small groups, students create a simple movement or body percussion pattern inspired by one of the music types heard.
• This links to performing elements of music and expressing ideas through sound and movement.

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4. Worksheet Introduction & Independent Work (8 minutes)

• Hand out the Year 3 worksheet titled "Introduction to Types of Music".
• The worksheet contains:
  • A brief description and picture for each music type.
  • Matching sounds or instruments to each type.
  • A simple question to draw or write where they might hear that music.
• Teacher reads instructions aloud and supports students who need help.

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5. Wrap Up and Reflection (3 minutes)

• Students share one thing they learnt or enjoyed about music types.
• Reinforce the WALT and success criteria, acknowledging successes.
• Encourage students to listen for different types of music at home or in the playground.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For diverse learners:

  • Provide visual aids and gestures during listening and explanation.
  • Use clear, simple language, with repetition of key vocabulary (beat, rhythm, music type).
  • Pair students for support during activities.
  • Provide one-on-one support for those who need help with the worksheet.

• For English Language Learners (ELLs):

  • Pre-teach musical vocabulary using pictures and realia (e.g., a drum, a xylophone).
  • Use songs and rhythms to teach language through context.

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Extension Activities (for advanced learners)

• Invite students to bring their favourite music (with parental permission) to share and describe the type and why they like it in the next music class.
• Encourage composing a short rhythm or melody inspired by one of the types of music explored using classroom instruments or body percussion.
• Create a classroom “Music Types” themed poster with students’ drawings and descriptions to display.

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Worksheet: Introduction to Types of Music (Year 3)

Instructions:
Look at each type of music below. Listen to your teacher or think about times when you hear this music. Match the sounds or instruments to the correct type by drawing a line. Then draw a picture or write about where you might hear this music.

Music Type	Description	Instruments / Sounds (to match)
Classical	Music played by an orchestra or piano, often calm or happy.	Violin, piano, trumpet
Pop	Modern music with a strong beat that people sing along to.	Guitar, drums, keyboard
Traditional / Folk	Music from old stories or from different cultures.	Didgeridoo, flute, hand drums

Question:
Where do you hear this music?
(Draw or write in the space provided.)

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This lesson plan ensures adherence to the NSW Curriculum by embedding listening, responding, and performing skills appropriate for Year 2, while providing a scaffolded introduction for Year 3 students on musical types. It uses simple, engaging activities suitable to students’ developmental stage and differentiated supports to ensure all students can access and succeed.