This is the first lesson in a really fun, entirely practical scheme of work that introduces students to Brazilian Samba, with some music theory thrown in (rhythm notation reading). I normally do it with year 7, and they love it - especially the silly phrases for remembering rhythms! I’ve also done this with primary students - it’s appropriate (and equally useful) for any students over about 7 years old. It’s one of my favourite units to teach.

You can buy the full scheme of work here: /teaching-resource/resource-13352913

This lesson includes an introduction to samba with some context and listening, as well as some whole-class call and response activities.

It develops performance skills, listening skills, ensemble skills and notation reading.

You will need enough percussion instruments for each student to have one. You can either use samba instruments, or if you don’t have these, any percussion instruments will do.