Rhythms Around Us

Curriculum Context

Learning Area: The Arts – Music
Curriculum Level: Level 3
Year Group: Year 5
Lesson Duration: 50 minutes
Class Size: 25 students

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Big Idea from NCEA Music Learning Matrix

“Music is an expression of, and a way of connecting with, culture, identity, place, and time.”

This lesson explores the variety of music types (genres) and how they are shaped by cultural and social identity. It aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum goal of developing students' understanding that music is created and experienced in relation to culture and context.

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WALT – We Are Learning To:

• Identify different types (genres) of music from around the world, including Aotearoa
• Recognise the unique features of music genres, especially rhythms and instruments used
• Understand how music connects to place, culture, and personal experiences

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Success Criteria

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Name at least four different music genres
• Describe one feature (instrument, beat, vocal style) of at least three genres
• Share a personal connection or feeling related to a type of music
• Participate in a group task that constructs a rhythmic pattern inspired by one of the genres studied

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Materials Needed

• Bluetooth speaker or classroom sound system
• Preloaded playlist (see “Listening Exploration” below)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printable music genre flashcards
• Percussion instruments (or substitute body percussion materials: claps, snaps)
• Paper strips and colouring pencils
• Music genre “passport” handout for reflection
• Timer or stopwatch
• A3 genre posters: Reggae / Classical / Traditional Māori / Hip-Hop / Pop / Pacific Island Music

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Lesson Flow

1. Mihi & Warm-Up Game – Musical Charades (5 minutes)

• Greet the class with a brief mihi and outline the WALT.
• Quick game: Teacher or a volunteer hums or mimics a simple tune or musical instrument style, and the class guesses which genre it might belong to.
• Purpose: Fun, sets tone, activates prior genre knowledge.

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2. Introduction to Genres (10 minutes)

Teacher Talk (Visuals on board + brief explanation):

Present six types of music via flashcards and genre posters:

• Reggae
• Classical
• Traditional Māori music
• Hip-Hop
• Pop
• Pacific Island music

For each one, describe:

• Rhythmic style (e.g., strong off-beat for reggae)
• Instruments
• Where it comes from / who might play it
• Emotional feeling or movement it evokes

Encourage questions and contributions from students about what they already know or like.

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3. Listening Exploration (15 minutes)

Activity: Students will become musical “explorers” completing their genre “passport”.

Play very short snippets (45 seconds each) of music from five genres. Songs should be age-appropriate and culturally diverse (including one piece from Aotearoa).

As each song plays:

• Students listen carefully and record ideas on their passport worksheets:
  • Which genre it is
  • Instruments they hear
  • How it makes them feel
  • An emoji to represent the music

Facilitate a short discussion between each excerpt. Encourage thinking about how the music might connect to a culture, time, or place.

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4. Rhythm Challenge – Create a Genre Beat (15 minutes)

Group Activity (In mixed-ability groups of 5):

• Each group pulls a genre card from a kete (basket).
• Their challenge: Create a short 4-beat rhythm using claps, stomps, and/or instruments that represents that genre.
• They must include:
  • 1 unique sound or action
  • Dynamics (loud/soft)
  • Each person in the group participates in performing the rhythm

After 7–8 minutes of planning, each group performs their rhythm for the class. Others try to guess which genre they represent!

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5. Reflection & Cooldown – Passport Stamp + Share (5 minutes)

Students return to their "passports".

• Colour in their favourite genre of the day.
• Write or draw one thing they learned about music styles.
• One student from each table shares their reflection.

Exit slip question (verbal or written):
“How can music tell us a story about where it came from?”

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Differentiation Strategies

For learners who need extra support:

• Provide visual aids with icons and images for each genre
• Use body percussion examples for rhythm task instead of verbal descriptions
• Offer sentence starters like “This music sounds like…” or “It makes me feel…”

For English Language Learners:

• Use bilingual labels where possible (especially for Māori and Pacific languages)
• Pair with a buddy for group tasks
• Use emojis and symbols to represent ideas during listening tasks

For advanced learners or extension:

• Let them lead the rhythm composition or even combine two styles (e.g., “What happens if we mix classical and hip-hop beats?”)
• Compose a short vocal hook or harmony to go with group rhythm
• Research a genre of their choice at home and present it next week

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Social Studies: Exploring cultural identity through music
• English: Descriptive language use in reflections
• Tikanga Māori: Inclusion of taonga pūoro and waiata
• The New Zealand Curriculum Key Competencies:
  • Participating and contributing – working in collaborative groups
  • Using language, symbols and texts – interpreting musical patterns and notation
  • Relating to others – sharing ideas and feedback respectfully

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Next Steps

In the next lesson, students will deep dive into Traditional Māori and Pacific music – exploring taonga pūoro, poi rhythms, and songs related to place and storytelling.

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Made to spark wonder, curiosity, and rhythm – one genre at a time!