Get your students moving, clapping, tapping and stomping with Percussive Patterns POWERPOINT—a high-energy resource designed to combine music, movement, and pattern recognition in a fun and interactive way. It’s perfect for brain breaks, music lessons, or simply bringing some rhythm into your day!

This activity introduces repeating patterns through physical movement. The PowerPoint randomly cycles through a bank of movement icons. Students or the teacher hit “stop” to select the first move in the percussive pattern. The process repeats as many times as you’d like—creating a rhythmic pattern sequence that the class can then perform. Movements include claps, stomps, clicks, and more!

Optional printable cards and a recording sheet are included to document each part of the pattern. Alternatively, students can build their recall and sequencing skills by memorising the pattern. Whether used in a whole-class music lesson, movement break, or small group setting, this resource builds rhythm, patterning, and memory skills in a fun and accessible way.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and create repeating patterns using physical movement
• ✅ Practise auditory and visual sequencing through rhythm
• ✅ Strengthen memory and recall with multi-step patterns
• ✅ Explore percussive sound using the body as an instrument
• ✅ Work collaboratively and follow multi-step directions

What’s Included:

• Interactive PowerPoint presentation with a bank of movement icons
• Randomised image cycling and stop/start functionality for pattern building
• Printable recording sheet for documenting movement sequences
• Optional printable icon cards for visual pattern building

Materials Needed:

• PowerPoint-compatible device and classroom display
• Printed recording sheets or icon cards (optional)
• Clear space for students to stand and move freely

How to Use:

1. Open the PowerPoint in presentation mode and begin the image cycling.
2. Click “stop” to reveal the first action in the percussive pattern.
3. Click again to begin the cycle for the next move. Repeat as many times as desired.
4. Record the movements using the printable sheet or have students recall them orally.
5. Perform the pattern together as a class—try in rounds, tempo changes, or add music!

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a brain break to reset and refocus your class between lessons
• 💡 Integrate into a music or drama unit focused on rhythm and movement
• 💡 Use during wet weather days to get kids up and moving inside
• 💡 Set up a small group station where students create and perform their own patterns
• 💡 Link with literacy by asking students to write out their pattern as instructions

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Model each movement clearly before starting the activity to ensure success
• 💛 Assign a “conductor” role to students for stopping the slides and leading the pattern
• 💛 Differentiate by adjusting pattern length or adding levels of difficulty
• 💛 Record performances to review or celebrate progress
• 💛 Laminate movement cards for use in literacy, maths, or transition games

Percussive Patterns POWERPOINT is a fun and flexible way to bring rhythm and movement into your classroom while supporting pattern recognition, sequencing, and memory skills. Your students will be clapping for more!