This week in Reception, we have been busy developing our understanding of musical notation in a fun, practical and highly engaging way. We explored simple rhythm patterns using “ta,” “titi” and “tikatika,” building our confidence in keeping a steady beat and recognising different rhythmic sounds.
To deepen our learning, we introduced a creative and meaningful link to our current learning about minibeasts. We used minibeasts as a stimulus for rhythm composition, matching each creature to a specific pattern. For example, a caterpillar became “tikatika,” a spider represented “titi,” and a snail matched the slower “ta.” This approach helped us to connect new musical knowledge with something familiar and exciting, supporting our understanding through play and imagination.
We then moved on to creating our own compositions. We carefully drew our own minibeasts and represented them using simple graphic notation. This allowed us to begin understanding that music can be recorded and shared in different ways.
Once our compositions were complete, we worked with our partners to perform our rhythms by clapping, taking turns to share and interpret each other’s ideas. We listened closely, watched carefully and practised keeping in time, developing our confidence along the way!
It has been wonderful to see the children so engaged, using their creativity to compose, perform and share their own musical ideas. We are so proud of how they are beginning to understand that music can be created, written down and performed—just like real musicians!
