Visualizing and Creating Strong/Weak Beat Patterns 
Connections: Math/Patterns/Reasoning
Students will be able to read, conduct, and create strong/weak beat patterns in meters of 2, 3, and 4.

Procedure:

On the rug and as a whole class, write a pattern of 2, 3, and 4 on the board using any combination of shapes and colors depending on student comfort levels. Students will read and clap the patterns, then conduct the patterns following a teacher-led or peer-led model. 

Ask students to notice how they can determine meter regardless of shapes and color, as long as they can recognize the pattern - Practice this with students using any 1 or 2 examples from the first side of the Musical Patterns sheet. 

On their own or in partners, students will complete the Musical Patterns sheet at tables. *Possible extension: Students who complete the task early may conduct each pattern with a partner. 

Students will create their own strong/weak pattern of 2, 3, or 4 using shapes and colors of their choosing. Depending on time, students can clap or conduct the pattern for the teacher, with a partner, or in turns on the rug with the whole class. 

*Extension: Prepare and play a playlist of songs in different meters for students to identify by listening for strong/weak beat. Students may use their pattern sheet for support, or you may prepare and post 3 visual patterns of strong/weak (2/4, 3/4, and 4/4) for students to point to and identify while listening.