1970s Band Exploration

Overview

This 60-minute session introduces Year 5 students with learning disabilities to some of the most popular bands of the 1970s. The lesson aligns with the English National Curriculum for Music, focusing on developing listening skills, musical appreciation, and simple verbal or physical responses to music. It is designed for a small class of 7 to allow personalised support.

---

National Curriculum Links

• Key Stage 2 Music - Pupils should:
  • Listen with attention to detail and recall sounds with increasing aural memory (NC Music Programme of Study, KS2, p.1)
  • Appreciate and understand a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music drawn from different traditions and from great composers and musicians (NC Music Programme of Study, KS2, p.1)
  • Develop an understanding of the history of music (including significant musicians from the past) (NC Music Programme of Study, KS2, p.1)
• Cross-curricular links: Literacy (speaking and listening), PSHE (self-expression, confidence)

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, pupils will:

1. Recognise and name three popular bands from the 1970s.
2. Identify distinctive sounds or styles associated with 1970s pop/rock music.
3. Express personal likes or dislikes about the music through speech or alternative communication methods.
4. Develop listening concentration skills by responding to musical prompts.

---

Resources Required

• Audio recordings of iconic songs from the 1970s (e.g. Queen - “We Will Rock You”, ABBA - “Dancing Queen”, The Rolling Stones - “Start Me Up”)
• Pictures and simple fact cards about each band (with clear, large print and images)
• A large visual timeline of the decades to place the 1970s in context
• Instruments for simple rhythm activities (e.g., shakers, tambourines)
• Comfortable seating in a circle to encourage interaction
• Whiteboard or flip chart for key words and drawings

---

Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Greeting and settling in
• Brief discussion: “Have you heard of music from when your parents or grandparents were young?”
• Show a visual timeline and place the 1970s decade in it. Use simple language and visuals.

2. Introduction to 1970s Bands (15 minutes)

• Show pictures and provide simple facts about three popular bands:
  • Queen
  • ABBA
  • The Rolling Stones
• Play a short 30-second clip from one famous song by each band.
• Use clear, simple questions: “Who do you think is singing? What do you like or notice about this music?”
• Allow pupils to respond verbally or through choice boards, picture cards, or gestures.

3. Listening and Movement Activity (15 minutes)

• Replay a 30-second beat from “We Will Rock You” by Queen.
• Encourage pupils to tap or play simple rhythms on percussion instruments, copying the rhythm.
• Repeat with a chorus from ABBA and encourage simple swaying or clapping.
• Include sensory elements such as scarves for movement or visualisation cards showing dancing.

4. Group Discussion and Expression (10 minutes)

• Discuss: “Which band did you like best? Why?” Support expression with visual prompts.
• Use sentence starters: “I like ___ because ___.”
• Celebrate all responses to build confidence.

5. Recap and Cool Down (10 minutes)

• Review the three bands and play a short clip of each once more, inviting pupils to show thumbs up/down or smiley face cards for their favourite.
• Draw a simple mind map on the whiteboard with words linked to the music pupils heard (e.g., “happy,” “fast,” “fun”).
• Provide positive feedback and explain what will happen next time.

---

Assessment

• Observe and record pupils’ ability and willingness to identify and respond to the music.
• Note verbal or non-verbal engagement in the rhythm and movement activities.
• Use a simple checklist to mark pupil participation and understanding against the learning objectives.

---

Differentiation & Inclusion

• Provide alternative communication supports (PECS, Makaton, or choice boards) where needed.
• Allow pupils to listen using headphones if sensitive to sound volume.
• Offer seated or standing options for movement activities.
• Use multisensory approaches to engage pupils of varying abilities.

---

Extension Ideas

• Create simple “band cards” for pupils to take home with images and favourite songs.
• Plan a follow-up lesson on 1980s music styles or instruments used in 1970s bands.
• Invite pupils to bring or share music from their family culture for comparison.

---

This lesson plan embraces curiosity and joy through music history, encouraging pupils with learning disabilities to experience the cultural richness of the 1970s bands. It aligns with national curriculum goals while prioritising accessibility and engagement.