Rhythms of Africa Lesson Plan Rhythms of Africa
Tier 1 Classroom Lesson Plan • 1st Grade
30 Minutes
Objective
Students will explore the rich cultural heritage of Africa through music and dance. This lesson develops an appreciation for diverse cultures while engaging students in interactive and tactile rhythmic activities.
Materials Needed
Africa Music Slides
Classroom/Improvised Drums
Discussion Guide
Rhythm Sheet Handout
Teacher Prep
Queue up the Video Slide (ensure audio is working).
Gather "drums" (buckets, desks, or real percussion).
Print Rhythm Sheets for each pair or student.
Instructional Sequence
5m
Introduction to Africa
Begin with a brief introduction to the continent, highlighting its diversity.
Show the map of Africa in the slide deck.
Point out regions like West Africa and South Africa.
Explain that music is like a "heartbeat" in many African cultures.
5m
Visual Exploration
Watch a short video introducing African music and instruments.
Encourage students to watch for different instruments and how people move.
Note the bright colors and community feel in the performances.
5m
Music Talk
Engage students in a guided discussion about their observations.
Use the **Discussion Guide** to facilitate the conversation.
Focus on: What did you hear? What did you see? How did it make you feel?
7m
Drumming Circle
Hands-on practice using classroom or improvised instruments.
Distribute instruments (or use desks as drums).
Follow the **Rhythm Sheet**: "Clap-Clap-Drum".
Practice keeping a steady beat together as a "village".
8m
Movement & Closure
Incorporate movement and reflect on the learning experience.
Teach a simple side-to-side step to match the rhythm.
Combine drumming and dancing (half class drums, half class dances).
**Reflection:** What was your favorite part? Why is diverse music important?
African Rhythms Slides Rhythms of Africa
A Cultural Musical Journey
Exploring the Continent
A Massive Home
Africa is a huge continent with 54 different countries and thousands of musical traditions!
Focus Regions
West Africa (Drumming)
South Africa (Harmony & Dance)
Let's Watch & Listen
Look for the djembe drums and notice how the music makes you feel!
Embedded media
Musical Reflections
The Sounds
What instruments did you see? Were they loud or soft?
The Heartbeat
What did you notice about the rhythms? Was it fast or slow?
Your Turn to Play!
Follow the Rhythm Pattern:
Clap
-
Clap
-
DRUM!
Appreciating New Cultures
"Music and dance are universal languages. When we learn them, we learn to understand our neighbors around the world."
Music Talk Discussion Guide Music Talk Guide
Teacher Resource • Cultural Exploration: Africa
Facilitation Tip
Use these questions after the video to help students process what they saw and heard. Encourage students to use descriptive words like loud, soft, fast, slow, community, and joyful.
1
What instruments did you see in the video?
Encourage students to describe the instruments. Compare them to ones they might already know (like a guitar, piano, or school drums).
Teacher Notes
2
What did you notice about the rhythms in the music?
Help students identify patterns. Discuss why rhythm is so important (it's the foundation of the music!). Ask: Did it make your body want to move?
Teacher Notes
3
Did you see any dances? What did they look like?
Talk about the energy of the movements. Relate the dance to the rhythm of the drums. Mention how dance is often a part of celebrations and daily life.
Teacher Notes
Goal: Foster curiosity and respect for different ways of making music.
Heartbeat Rhythms Worksheet Heartbeat Rhythms
African Drumming Rhythm Sheet
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Instructions
Follow the rhythm pattern with your class! Start slow like a walking pace, then speed up as you get more comfortable. Keep the beat steady like your heart!
The "Village" Rhythm:
Clap
Clap
Drum!
My Drumming Reflection
How did it feel to drum together with the whole class?
Circle how you feel:
😊
🤩
🥁
