Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Ta Ti Ti Secret Code: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 2
- ForYear 2
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Ta Ti Ti Secret Code is a free printable music worksheet for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7), in Key Stage 1. Children clap each mystery rhythm, find it in the key and write the matching letter. It is screen free, needs only a pencil and uses ta and ti ti, the rhythm names many children learn in primary music.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is for children. Page 2 is for the grown up and has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, a stretch idea and the answers. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Page 1 shows a key. Each rhythm in the key has a letter, and every rhythm is built from ta and ti ti beats. The sheet also has mystery rhythms, each written as words to clap. Children clap the rhythm, look for the same pattern in the key and write its letter in the space. Along the way they read patterns from left to right, keep a steady beat and match carefully.
- A: ta ta ta ta
- B: ti ti ta ta ta
- C: ta ti ti ta ta
- D: ta ta ti ti ta
- E: ta ta ta ti ti
- F: ti ti ti ti ta ta
- Clap: ti ti ti ti ta ta Letter:
- Clap: ta ta ta ta Letter:
- Clap: ta ti ti ta ta Letter:
- Clap: ta ta ta ti ti Letter:
How the secret code works
Ta is one sound
Ta is a single clap on one beat. Say it clearly and clap once for each ta.
Ti ti is two quick sounds
Ti ti is a pair of even claps that fit into the same space as one ta. Say the two words quickly together and clap twice.
The key is the code book
Each letter in the key stands for one rhythm. Children match what they clap to the key, just as a spy would match a symbol to a code book.
Clap, find, write
Clap the mystery rhythm slowly, hunt through the key for the same pattern, then write the letter. Check by clapping the key rhythm once more.
What are ta and ti ti?
Ta and ti ti are simple spoken names for rhythms. Ta is one sound on one beat. Ti ti is two even sounds that share one beat. Many primary schools use these words because they are easy to say and easy to clap. Children can learn to hear, say and read rhythm patterns well before they meet written music notation.
A secret code gives children a reason to listen and look closely. They must keep the beat steady, notice where the pairs of ti ti fall and match what they hear to what they see. Saying the words first, then clapping, joins hearing, speaking and movement. That makes the patterns easier to remember.
Rhythm facts for curious children
- Rhythm is a pattern of longer and shorter sounds.
- The beat is the steady pulse in music, a bit like a ticking clock.
- Rhythm and beat are different things. You can clap a rhythm while someone taps the beat.
- Clapping and stamping are called body percussion, because your body is the instrument.
- The words you say have rhythm too, because every word has its own pattern of sounds.
Skills and curriculum link
- Reading rhythm patterns
- Clapping a steady beat
- Matching and decoding
- Careful listening
- Following a key
Ideas to help children hear the rhythm
- Keep the beatTap a steady beat on the table while your child claps. A steady pulse stops the rhythm from speeding up.
- Say it firstSay the words aloud before clapping. Saying ta and ti ti helps children feel the difference between one sound and two.
- Clap the key togetherBefore starting, clap each key rhythm one at a time and say its letter. This builds a bank of patterns to match against.
- Point as you clapTouch each word with a finger as you clap it. This keeps eyes and hands moving together from left to right.
Key words
- BeatThe steady pulse in music, like a clock ticking.
- RhythmA pattern of longer and shorter sounds.
- TaOne sound that fills one beat.
- Ti tiTwo quick, even sounds that fit into one beat.
- KeyOn this sheet, the list that shows which letter goes with which rhythm.
- DecodeUse a key to work out a hidden message.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2 for the grown up.
- Clap the key rhythms together first, keeping a steady beat. Say the words aloud as you clap.
- Let your child clap each mystery rhythm alone, find it in the key and write the letter.
- Check against the notes and answers on page 2. Ask your child how they knew which letter to choose.
- Come back to the sheet another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Say the words aloud while clapping, and tap a steady beat on the table for your child to follow. Start by clapping each rhythm in the key together. Then look at the first word of a mystery rhythm and think about which key rhythms begin the same way.
To stretch confident children
Invent two new rhythms using ta and ti ti. Give each one a letter, then write a short code for a partner to crack. Swap codes and clap each other's rhythms. Can you make a rhythm that nobody else has used?
Make it a game
Take turns being the clapper. One player claps a rhythm from the key without saying it. The other player looks away, listens and names the letter. Swap roles after each go. Score one point for every correct letter.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child claps ti ti as two separate beats, so the rhythm sounds slow and stretched.
Try thisSay ti ti quickly as one pair while tapping one beat on the table. Show that two claps fit into the same space as one ta.
Watch forEvery word is clapped at the same speed, so ta and ti ti sound alike.
Try thisClap the key rhythms together slowly and exaggerate the quick pairs. Let your child hear and feel the difference before trying alone.
Watch forA child looks only at the first word of the pattern and picks the wrong letter.
Try thisCheck the whole pattern. Clap the chosen key rhythm and compare it with the mystery rhythm, word by word, to see if they match.
Talk about it
- What is the difference between ta and ti ti?
- How did you keep the beat steady while you clapped?
- Which rhythm was easiest to spot in the key? Why?
- What helped you check your answer?
- Can you clap your name as a rhythm?
- If you made your own secret code, what would your rhythms look like?
Take it off the page
Fruit rhythms
Say the names of fruits as rhythms. Pear is ta and apple is ti ti. Clap each one, then chain three fruits together and see if a family member can guess them.
Stepping beat
Walk around the garden or room, taking one step on every beat. Clap a rhythm on top of the steady steps.
Body percussion
Choose two sounds, such as a clap for ta and a pat on the knees for ti ti. Make up a short pattern and repeat it until it feels easy.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first go and let them lead. You do not need to read music. Clap along, keep the beat and ask them to explain how they chose each letter.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider music plan. It pairs well with singing, listening games and everyday talk about patterns. You can reuse it for brothers and sisters or as a refresher later.
Where this fits in learning rhythm
Before this sheet, children usually copy rhythms by ear, join in with songs and rhymes and find the steady beat. Clapping the syllables in names and words is a good first step.
After this sheet, children can move on to longer patterns, silent beats and longer sounds. Later they may meet written rhythm notation and begin to read and perform short rhythms from it.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Ta Ti Ti Secret Code for?
It is written for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7) in Key Stage 1. Slightly younger children can try it with support, and older children can use the stretch idea on page 2.
- Does my child need to read music?
No. The sheet uses the words ta and ti ti, not written notes. Children only need to say the words, clap the pattern and match it to the key.
- What do ta and ti ti mean?
Ta is one clap on one beat. Ti ti is two quick, even claps that fit into one beat. They are simple names that make rhythms easy to say and clap.
- What do I need to do the activity?
You need the printed sheet, a pencil and your hands. There is no screen and no instrument. Black and white printing on plain A4 paper works well.
- What if my child finds it hard to keep the beat?
Tap a steady beat on the table for them and say the words aloud as they clap. Clap the key rhythms together first so the patterns feel familiar before they work alone.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. It works as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has help, stretch ideas and answers.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or a refresher a few weeks later.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.