Unit Plan 6 (Grade 3 Music): Rhythm Notation

Focus: Document personal rhythmic ideas using iconic and/or standard notation, creating clear records of student-created patterns.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Music (Creating • Notation • Rhythm)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 sessions (3+ weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students learn how to write down their own rhythmic ideas so they can remember, share, and perform them again. Building on previous work with beat, rhythm, and composition, they practice using iconic notation (pictures, shapes, ta/ti-ti symbols) and standard notation (quarter notes, paired eighth notes, rests) to document short patterns they create. Students see how written notation works like a “map” for their music, helping them perform rhythms consistently and share them with classmates. By the end of the unit, each student will have at least one notated rhythm pattern they can read, perform, and explain.

Essential Questions

• How can I write down my own rhythmic ideas so I (and others) can perform them again?
• What is the difference between iconic notation and standard notation, and how can both help me remember my rhythms?
• How does organizing my rhythm into beats and measures make it easier to read and perform?
• Why is it important for musicians to document their musical ideas?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Use iconic notation (pictures, ta/ti-ti symbols, simple shapes) to represent their own 4-beat or 8-beat rhythm patterns.
2. Use standard notation (quarter notes, paired eighth notes, quarter rests) to document personal rhythmic ideas that fit a given beat framework.
3. Organize rhythms into measures or beat boxes, showing clear alignment between written symbols and the steady beat.
4. Read and perform their notated rhythms accurately, using their written work as a guide.
5. Explain how their notation shows what they want to hear (long vs. short sounds, silence, repetition) and why clear notation matters.

Standards Alignment — Grade 3 Music (NAfME-Aligned)

• MU:Cr2.1.3b — Use standard and/or iconic notation and/or recording technology to document personal rhythmic and melodic musical ideas.
  • Example: Notating a rhythm using quarter and eighth notes.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can write down my own rhythm pattern using icons or music notes.
• I can make sure my notation fits the number of beats (4 or 8) and stays in the beat boxes/measures.
• I can read and perform my notated rhythm using body percussion or instruments.
• I can explain what my symbols mean (long/short sounds, rests) and how they match what I want to hear.
• I can use iconic or standard notation to save my ideas so I can share them with others.