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.
Music theory worksheet · Rhythm and counting
Time Signature Detective
Count the beats in each measure and write the missing top number of the time signature.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- 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:
- Each card is one measure. How many beats does it have? Write the top number.
- Circle the right answer.
- The top number of a time signature tells you how many beats are in a measure how fast to play
- A bottom number of 4 means that there are four measures a quarter note gets one beat
- A waltz has three beats in every measure. Its time signature is
Teacher tip
Model one card out loud like a detective: “I see a half note, that is two, and a quarter note, that is three. Three beats, so the top number is 3.”
How to use it
- Point to each note as the class claps so every eye stays on the page.
- Count the beats in each measure out loud before writing anything.
- Read the reminder box at the top of the sheet together, then do the first item as a class.
Watch for
Counting notes instead of beats. A half note is one note but two beats.
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
Split the class in two and clap two different lines at the same time.
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 2–3
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.
Grades 2–4
Draw the Bar Lines
Look at the time signature. Draw a bar line every time a measure is full.
Grades 2–4
Finish the Measure
One note is missing from every measure. Draw one note in each box to fill the measure.
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