Grades 2–4
Draw the Bar Lines
Look at the time signature. Draw a bar line every time a measure is full.
Music theory worksheet · Rhythm and counting
Count the Rhythm
Write the counts under the notes. Use 1, 2, 3 and 4 for the beats and + for the eighth note in between.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–3
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Topic
- Rhythm and counting
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Keeping a steady beat, Reading quarter notes, eighth notes and half notes, Counting the beats in a measure, Reading time signatures
What kids do
Printed on the sheet:
- In 4/4 time there are four beats in a measure: 1, 2, 3, 4. Two eighth notes share one beat, so count them 1 + (say “one and”). A half note gets two counts, like 1 2.
- Write the counts in the boxes.
Teacher tip
Write 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + across the board and point along it while the class claps. Kids see that the + falls halfway between two beats.
How to use it
- Tap a steady beat on your knees first, then lay the rhythm over it.
- Say the rhythm before you clap it: ta and ti-ti for younger kids, numbers for older ones.
- Make the sound first. Clap, sing or play the idea before kids see it on paper.
Watch for
Speeding up on the eighth notes. Two eighths fit inside one steady beat.
Talk about it
- What does the top number of the time signature tell you?
- Where have you seen or heard this in a song we know?
Take it further
Play a line on rhythm sticks, drums or desk tops.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More rhythm and counting worksheets
Grades 2–4
Finish the Measure
One note is missing from every measure. Draw one note in each box to fill the measure.
Grades 3–5
Time Signature Detective
Count the beats in each measure and write the missing top number of the time signature.
Grades K–1
Clap and Say Ta and Ti-Ti
A quarter note says ta. Two eighth notes say ti-ti. Write ta or ti-ti under each beat, then clap the line.
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