Grades 2–5
Dynamics and Tempo Word Search
Find twelve dynamics and tempo words. They go across, down and diagonally.
Music theory worksheet · Dynamics and tempo
Tempo Words: Slow to Fast
Tempo is the speed of the beat. Match each Italian tempo word to its meaning, then put them in order.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Topic
- Dynamics and tempo
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Reading p, mp, mf and f, Ordering dynamics from softest to loudest, Reading crescendo and decrescendo signs, Knowing tempo words from largo to presto
What kids do
Printed on the sheet:
- Match each tempo word to its meaning.
- Which tempo fits best? Circle it.
- A sleepy lullaby
- A cheetah racing across the grass
- Walking to school with a friend
Words on this sheet
LargoAdagioAndantevery fastAllegroPresto
Teacher tip
Tap a slow beat for largo and a quick one for presto, then tap a tempo in between and ask the class to name it. Use a metronome if you have one.
How to use it
- Walk around the room at each tempo: largo, andante, allegro, presto.
- Remind kids that the words are Italian, and say them together.
- End by clapping, singing or playing something from the sheet, so the page turns back into music.
Watch for
Reading the crescendo sign backward. The open end is the loud end.
Talk about it
- How does the music feel when it gets louder?
- How did you figure that out?
Take it further
Listen to a short piece and hold up a p or f card when the dynamic changes.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More dynamics and tempo worksheets
Grades 1–2
Soft or Loud? Dynamics Match
Dynamics tell you how loud or soft to play. Draw a line from each sign to what it means.
Grades 2–4
Dynamics from Softest to Loudest
Number the six dynamics from 1, the softest, to 6, the loudest, then finish the sentences.
Grades 2–4
Getting Louder, Getting Softer
A crescendo gets louder little by little. A decrescendo gets softer. Circle the right word for each one.
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