🎵 Click here to bring Kidstrument to your school — from £199 ➡️
Forbidden Rhythms

Forbidden Rhythms — Sample Activity

This is one lesson out of a module of 6 activities. Explore it anytime before class to see what Kidstrument offers.

Try the activity

Kidstrument works best on a bigger screen. 📱➡️💻

Please visit this page on a laptop, tablet, or classroom display for the full experience.

Overview

This playful listening game is all about focus and rhythm! In the first part of the activity, the class will be shown a “forbidden rhythm” – they must remember it, but not clap it back when they hear it. If they do, they’re caught out!

Next, the class will play a copycat game, where they listen and echo back the rhythms they hear—unless it’s the forbidden one! This activity helps children listen carefully, follow instructions, and develop rhythmic awareness.

Music Tip: Good musicians don’t just play – they listen first!

Teacher Tip: Make it fun! Throw in the forbidden rhythm now and then to keep them alert. Praise careful listeners and vary the rhythms to challenge the group.

Learning outcomes

KS2 (Years 3–6)

  • play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts, using their voices and playing musical instruments with increasing accuracy, fluency, control and expression
  • listen with attention to detail and recall sounds with increasing aural memory

Here’s what the full programme view looks like

This is the normal lesson view in Kidstrument — the full teacher layout you’ll use in class.

Kidstrument full programme view
Example programme view.

Ready for the whole programme?

Get unlimited access for your staff, prepared units for EYFS–Y6, and inspection-ready reporting.

Get KidstrumentBook a demo