Most children love music. You may find that while some kids naturally sense the proper rhythm of music, others may need some help finding that beat. Not only is it fun to move and clap to the rhythm of a song, but understanding rhythm can help with other learning areas, too; particularly when it comes to language and communication. Following is a list of 19 activities that can be used to build rhythmic skills.
1. The Cup Game
The cup game is a very simple activity in which children tap and hit a cup to match a rhythm. This can be played with a small or large group of children and requires nothing beyond a cup for each child.
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2. Whoosh Bang Pow or Zap
In this game, commands (whoosh, bang, pow, zap) are passed around a circle and each command denotes a specific motion and can be the start of a rhythm. Kids get to choose which command they want to give the next person in the circle.
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3. Boom Snap Clap
In this activity, kids move around the circle making motions (boom, snap, clap). This is a great chance for kids to put their pattern-making and memory skills to the test. This game works for both small and large groups.
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4. Mama Llama
Once kids learn this fun song, they can stand in a circle and add movement. They keep the rhythm by clapping and patting their legs. Go slower or faster to practice different types of rhythm.
Learn More: MrMeehls Music
5. Rhythm Chairs
This activity can be used to teach students about meter and rhythm. You set a group of chairs together (the number is dictated by the meter/rhythm you’re working on). Children sit on the chairs and use their hands to clap out the rhythm pattern.
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6. Musical Imitation
In this game, one child (or adult) plays out a rhythm on their instrument. Then, the next child imitates the rhythm of the instrument they have. Rhythms can be fast or slow. This is an excellent game for practicing listening and turn-taking skills.
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7. Musical Statues
Listening skills are key to this activity. All you need to play this game is music. The rules are simple. Dance and move when the music plays. When the music stops, freeze like a statue. If you keep moving, you’re out!
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8. Nursery Rhyme Actions
Nursery rhymes and kids go hand in hand. Choose a nursery rhyme to clap along to. Some may have slow beats, some may have faster beats. This game has many benefits; including practicing patterns and listening skills.
Learn More: Empowered Parents
9. Tennis Ball Beat
Use a tennis ball to find the rhythm. Standing in a line or walking in a circle, kids can bounce balls to a beat. You can even add words to go along with the beat or have the children follow the beat of a song.
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10. Beat Tag
In this twist on the classic game of tag, kids learn a rhythm using their hands and feet. Once they have the pattern down, they will move around the room and continue to work through the pattern while trying to tag their friends.
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11. Pass the Ball
This simple activity can help children learn rhythm. All you need is a softball. Put on some music and pass the ball to the beat of the song. If the song has words, they can sing along. Change the direction of the ball to keep children on their toes.
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12. Rhythm Circle
There are many ways to practice rhythm in a circle. Start by passing around a rhythmic pattern. Once the children get it, you can add in more- perhaps having them say their name or a favorite thing at a specific point in the pattern. This activity is incredibly versatile.
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13. Jump Rhythm
All you need for this is an elastic or rope. Children jump over and around the elastic in a rhythm. Also known as French Skipping, children perform rhythmic routines, while the height of the elastic can provide challenges for those who are ready.
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14. Rhythm Train Game
This game is played with cards, each of which adds to a rhythmic pattern. As children learn each card’s pattern, they add it to a train, and when the train is complete, they will play all the cards from the engine to the caboose.
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15. Rooms for Rent
In this game, children form a circle. In the middle of the circle is an instrument for one child to play a beat. As the beat is played, children recite a short chant. At the end of the chant, it’s time for another child to take a turn.
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16. Sing and Jump
Kids love to jump rope. Add in a song with a good rhythmic pattern, and kids can jump along to the beat. You may know Miss Mary Mack or Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, or Turn Around, but there are many songs to choose from that kids will love.
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17. Body Percussion
You don’t need instruments for kids to practice finding the beat. They can use their bodies as instruments. By clapping, snapping, and stomping, kids can create a rhythm. If each child has a different rhythm, go around the room and make up a body percussion song!
Learn More: Sing Play Create Educational Music Channel
18. Heart Beat
A heart has a natural rhythm. Kids can be taught to follow along by tapping their chests over their own hearts or clapping to a heartbeat sound or song. This activity can help children groove to their own beat.
Learn More: Sing Play Create Educational Music Channel
19. Drum Fun
Drums are a great tool to teach rhythm. Whether children repeat a pattern made on a drum or have drums of their own on which to bang out a pattern, they’ll have a lot of fun.
Learn More: Tardis Education
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