L2 MS E

The concept of musical pulse is explained through a real-world example of the human heart.

TEACHER GUIDE

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

CORE: Introduction to the Musical Pulse

The Musical Pulse: Feeling a Steady Pulse video enables learners to experience what a steady musical pulse sounds and feels like by using rhythmic movements to accompany the music in simple time.

CORE: Feeling a Steady Pulse

Learners can apply the body scale actions to demonstrate the melodic contour of the song
Little Bird. Using physical actions to assist the ear in recognising the different pitches in this
simple but delightful melody, is the first step in the ability to understanding the relationships that
form between the three pitches.

Teacher Guide

Learning Experience

Follow the Melodic Contour with Body Scale Actions

This Musical Alphabet: Forwards and Backwards learning experience is a follow-on exercise to the Musical Alphabet: Going Forwards pre-requisite activity. Enjoy the process as learners strive to memorise the sequence of the musical alphabet going in both directions. This can be a challenging exercise that can take many repetitions to master.

Once learner confidence is high, try the follow-up worksheet video for group learning and pdf for printing for an individual challenge. When using the video activity, make use of the pause button to offer time for all learners to work out the answer to each puzzle.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE 1

LEARNING EXPERIENCE 2

WORKSHEET for Printing

CORE: Alphabet Going Forwards and Backwards

A first exploration into the layout and sounds of the piano keyboard. This activity focuses on the 7 white keys.

PIANO KEYBOARD Printable

CORE: White Key Sounds on the Piano Keyboard

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/en/student/courses/31148/watch/?enrollment_id=2302401&amp;lesson_id=479593" style="background-color: rgb(106, 252, 194); color: black; padding: 15px 30px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-size: 18px; border-radius: 6px;">Find this unit in the Dashboard</a>This wonderful unit invites young learners into the world of music through gentle, engaging activities that connect musical concepts to their own lived experiences.The journey begins with a heartwarming introduction to musical pulse, where children discover the connection between their own heartbeat and the pulse that gives music its life force. Through quiet listening and playful exploration, they learn to feel and express rhythm naturally.Building on this foundation, learners experience the joy of moving to a steady pulse, using simple body percussion to develop rhythmic awareness and coordination. These activities nurture focus and body awareness while creating a fun repertoire of movements.The unit then guides children through the delightful song Little Bird, where they use body scale actions to trace the melodic contour. This physical approach helps young ears recognise different pitches and understand the relationships between musical sounds, making abstract concepts tangible and accessible.Learners also explore the musical alphabet, practicing letter sequences forwards and backwards through playful repetition. This foundational skill develops memory and prepares children for future music reading.Finally, the unit introduces the piano keyboard, where children discover the sounds of white keys and experience how musical pitches rise and fall. This hands-on exploration builds curiosity and confidence with a real musical instrument.Throughout, activities emphasise natural learning, joyful participation, and celebrating each child's unique progress.Learning OutcomesUpon completion of this learning activity, learners will be able to …·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; describe musical pulse and connect it to their heartbeat and everyday movements·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; express steady pulse accurately through coordinated body percussion and movement sequences·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; demonstrate melodic contour using body scale actions while listening to and singing simple melodies·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; recite the musical alphabet forwards and backwards from memory·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; identify and play white keys on the piano keyboard with both hands while understanding rising and falling pitch directions·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; participate joyfully in musical activities while developing focus, coordination, memory, and confidence.Notes and TipsOn Steady Pulse Activities:Keep movements in place initially to help learners focus attention on expressing the steady pulse accurately without distraction. Body percussion actions form the foundation of a growing movement repertoire that children will enjoy using with all kinds of music.On Body Scale Actions:The three pitches in Little Bird correspond to degrees 5, 3, and 6 of the major scale, represented by shoulders, waist, and hands respectively. Allow natural singing to emerge without creating expectations.On Musical Alphabet:Use upper case letters as convention, as lower case will later denote additional information about musical tones. This skill takes time to develop naturally. Stay relaxed and encouraging. Some learners may naturally begin singing the tones associated with letter names. Allow this to happen without drawing attention, as exposure helps children absorb these relationships subconsciously.On Piano Keyboard:Repetition builds confidence. Practice identifying left and right hands before starting. Some learners may naturally sing along with the soundtrack while playing. Avoid creating expectations and simply enjoy what comes naturally to each child while they observe and play.General Approach:Allow skills to grow naturally without pressure. Celebrate progress at each child's own pace and keep the atmosphere joyful and encouraging.

This unit introduces early-stage learners to foundational music concepts through heartbeat awareness, steady pulse activities, melodic contour exploration with body movements, and piano keyboard discovery, building confidence and joy in music learning.

L2: Little Bird-Unit B

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Course content

L2: Little Bird-Unit B

Adele O'Dwyer

What you will learn