L2 MS E

Rain, Rain

English

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

TEACHER GUIDE: Introduction to the Musical Pulse

LEARNING EXPERIENCE: Introduction to the Musical Pulse

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.

TEACHER GUIDE: Feeling a Steady Pulse

LEARNING EXPERIENCE: Feeling a Steady Pulse

CORE: Feeling a Steady Pulse

The familiar song, Rain, Rain, provides an opportunity for learners to experience the division of the musical pulse into 2 equal parts. The emphasis of the activity to the sensory experience – this concept will be present in a more formal way in future lessons. For now, simply enjoy embodying the division of time with simple body actions.


TEACHER GUIDE: Clap-back the Rhythm

LEARNING EXPErIENCE: Clap-back the Rhythm

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: Clap-back the Rhythm

Learners can apply the body scale actions to demonstrate the melodic contour of the song Rain, Rain. 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: Express with Melodic Contour with Body Scale Actions

LEARNING EXPERIENCE: Express with Melodic Contour with Body Scale Actions

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: Express with 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.

TEACHER GUIDE: Musical Alphabet Going Forwards and Backwards

LEARNING EXPERIENCE 1: Musical Alphabet Going Forwards and Backwards

LEARNING EXPERIENCE 2: Musical Alphabet Going Forwards and Backwards (worksheet)

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.

TEACHER GUIDE: White Key Sounds on the Piano Keyboard

LEARNING EXPERIENCE: White Key Sounds on the Piano Keyboard

PIANO KEYBOARD (for printing)

CORE: White Key Sounds on the Piano Keyboard

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/student/courses/31243/watch/?enrollment_id=1971695&amp;lesson_id=429026" 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;">Get Started!</a>This wonderful unit begins by helping children discover musical pulse through the familiar sensation of their own heartbeat. By connecting this life-giving rhythm to music, learners develop a natural understanding of steady beat through gentle, interactive movements.Children then explore how musical pulse can be divided into different rhythmic patterns using the beloved song Rain, Rain. Through clapping games and body percussion, they experience both slow and quick rhythmic gestures, building coordination and rhythmic confidence in an encouraging, echo-back format.The journey continues as learners use body scale actions to trace the melodic shape of Rain, Rain, discovering how music moves up and down through different pitches. This physical approach helps young ears recognize and remember melodic patterns effortlessly.The unit also introduces the musical alphabet, inviting children to learn the seven letter names forwards and backwards through captivating repetition and games. Finally, learners meet the piano keyboard, exploring the sounds of the white keys and discovering how music rises and falls across this remarkable instrument.Throughout, activities build upon one another seamlessly, allowing children to develop fundamental music skills while fostering creativity, confidence, and joy in musical expression.Learning Outcomes<ul><li>Demonstrate understanding of musical pulse and steady beat through coordinated body movements and rhythmic actions</li><li>Echo and perform rhythmic patterns using body percussion, distinguishing between different note durations</li><li>Show melodic contour through physical gestures, recognizing and responding to different pitches in simple melodies</li><li>Recite the musical alphabet forwards and backwards from memory with growing confidence</li><li>Explore and describe the piano keyboard layout, playing white key sequences with both hands</li><li>Express themselves musically with increasing coordination, creativity, and enthusiastic engagement</li></ul>Notes and TipsMusical Pulse Development: Allow learners to discover their heartbeat naturally through quiet stillness. Encourage them to use the word "bip" to mark each beat, helping them notice how pulse changes during different activities.Body Percussion: Keep movements "in place" initially to help learners focus attention on steady pulse accuracy without distraction. These simple actions represent the beginning of a body percussion repertoire that will grow over time, offering fun and challenging ways to express rhythm.Echo-Back Learning: Videos use split-screen format with left side for "Watch and Listen" and right side for "Join In." Consider having learners raise their left hand when listening and right hand when participating to ensure understanding. First viewing should be watch-and-listen only.Team Activities: Break learners into teams to isolate different rhythmic gestures or pitches. Rotate team assignments so all learners experience demonstrating each element. This builds confidence and deepens understanding.Musical Alphabet: This skill takes time to develop naturally. Stay relaxed and encouraging without creating expectations. Some learners may naturally begin singing associated tones - allow this to happen without drawing attention. Use UPPER CASE letters as convention; lower case will denote additional information later.Piano Keyboard: Use printable paper keyboards for hands-on practice. Consider using the pause button during first viewing to ensure understanding, particularly for left-hand versus right-hand identification. Repetition builds confidence. Some learners may naturally sing along with the soundtrack - enjoy what comes naturally without creating expectations.General Approach: Allow skills to grow naturally through repeated exposure and practice. Maintain an encouraging, relaxed atmosphere that celebrates progress at each learner's own pace.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/student/courses/31243/watch/?enrollment_id=1971695&amp;lesson_id=429026" 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;">Get Started!</a>

This unit introduces young learners to the concept of musical pulse through heartbeat awareness, steady beat activities, rhythmic clapping, melodic contour exploration, and piano keyboard fundamentals using the beloved Rain, Rain song.

Course content

L2: Rain, Rain-Unit B

Adele O'Dwyer