{"id":36593,"date":"2022-12-19T08:02:12","date_gmt":"2022-12-19T08:02:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/?p=36593"},"modified":"2024-04-11T01:12:46","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T01:12:46","slug":"rhythm-activities-for-primary-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/k-5\/rhythm-activities-for-primary-school\/","title":{"rendered":"19 Resourceful Rhythm Activities For Primary School"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. The Cup Game<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FW4v5LDMZkE\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=FW4v5LDMZkE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">The Fun Music Company<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Whoosh Bang Pow or Zap<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SeCo538zFL4\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=SeCo538zFL4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">The Dionysia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Boom Snap Clap<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/lFvYr0lKQx2OdPrgFxfe\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Do-the-Boom-Snap-Clap-Hand-Game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">wikiHow<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Mama Llama<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vErYgE7UuY4\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=vErYgE7UuY4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">MrMeehls Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Rhythm Chairs<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/XXQsbGUYQPuTRx92eSfQ\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;re working on). Children sit on the chairs and use their hands to clap out the rhythm pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/yellowbrickroadblog.com\/2017\/12\/rhythm-chairs-game-teaching-beat-versus.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Yellow Brick Road Blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Musical Imitation<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/bZRnLKZnSYSPOYLR0myX\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.andnextcomesl.com\/2015\/07\/musical-imitation-oral-motor-activity-for-kids.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">And Next Comes L<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Musical Statues<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/qkGJEj9nSUCEc6NCJlJO\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;re out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/empoweredparents.co\/musical-statues-game\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Empowered Parents<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Nursery Rhyme Actions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/N7mVs1jMS3y9ybdqRQ2s\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/empoweredparents.co\/nursery-rhymes-with-actions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Empowered Parents<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Tennis Ball Beat<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y74ll4cBbYw\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Y74ll4cBbYw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Leila Viss<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Beat Tag<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/Q9xcnigyRIW79xaHJp1h\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/makingmusicfun.net\/htm\/f_mmf_music_library\/beat_tag\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Making Music Fun<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11. Pass the Ball<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/aHzdXxdRT8GNFzkNsYHI\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/games4esl.com\/pass-the-ball\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Games 4 ESL<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12. Rhythm Circle<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/1Z1PfiZMQvW8LqUN3IUG\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scouts.org.uk\/activities\/rhythm-circle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Scouts UK<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13. Jump Rhythm<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/iM0h0FRRluwk2FiaOVT0\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yourschoolgames.com\/active-recovery\/jump-rhythm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Your School Games<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>14. Rhythm Train Game<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/V8KFOiRSKRL1KgaWOO5g\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This game is played with cards, each of which adds to a rhythmic pattern. As children learn each card&#8217;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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/colorinmypiano.com\/wp-content\/files\/Rhythm_Train_game.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Color in My Piano<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>15. Rooms for Rent<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/Sx5hjqRXQvoHJ1718HyD\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s time for another child to take a turn.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bethsnotesplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rooms-for-Rent.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Beth&#8217;s Notes Plus<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>16. Sing and Jump<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/id\/1018810862\/vector\/happy-boy-and-girl-jumping-up-over-skipping-ropes-joyful-kids-activity-flat-style-vector.jpg?s=612x612&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=KFIYABVVh3gi9o8zHSzz-LBC8kByIMER69QYDXSMHFY=\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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&nbsp;Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, or Turn Around, but there are many songs to choose from that kids will love.<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/kidactivities.net\/jump-rope-rhymes-games\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Kid Activities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>17. Body Percussion<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3RX2tgKjkgs\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>You don&#8217;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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3RX2tgKjkgs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Sing Play Create Educational Music Channel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>18. Heart Beat<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qN7gkz12fL8\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/3RX2tgKjkgs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Sing Play Create Educational Music Channel<\/a><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>19. Drum Fun<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ex_SuMw6-lk\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;ll have a lot of fun.<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ex_SuMw6-lk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Tardis Education<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":130,"featured_media":36606,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[78],"tags":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19-Resourceful-Rhythm-Activities-For-Primary-School-600x400.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Ruth Calkins","author_link":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/author\/ruth-calkins\/"},"featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19-Resourceful-Rhythm-Activities-For-Primary-School-600x600.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36593"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/130"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36593"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36593\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36606"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36593"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36593"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36593"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}