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(Unit 2) Topic 7: Music and Movement

2 Clock Hours of Early Childhood Education

Hey, Get Rhythm

Topic 7 Page 9

Debbie Hasbrook, M. Ed. explains that:
“Teaching young children about rhythm usually includes sitting in a circle with sticks, drum or other items that children can hit or strike. Using a fast rhythm will speed up their heart rate, make them more alert and keep their attention. Using a slow or extended rhythm will slow down their heart, breathing and help them to relax. Using rhythm throughout the day supports self-control, working memory, listening skills, cooperation and community building when done in a group setting.”

Debbie Hasbrook, M. Ed

Here are several teacher-directed activities created by Debbie Hasbrook, M. Ed. that can be incorporated into teaching rhythm:

Clap and Respond

This activity can be heard regularly throughout the day. It can be used in circle, for transitions, to get children’s attention, to introduce a lesson, and to teach a lesson.

The leader claps a simple rhythm and the children respond. Let each child have a turn clapping a rhythm for the group.
Choose a rhythm for the different activities of the day. One clap may mean gather for circle, another to line up, another for meals, another for clean-up or another for attention.
Use clapping to break apart elements of a lesson. Clap for each syllable of a poem, song or a child’s name.

Ta Ta Ti Ti Ta

Counting is the core element of learning rhythm. Ta Ta Ti Ti Ta represents the counting the beats of the rhythm. This can be experienced using voice, clapping or instruments.

Three quick beats together can be counted out as “tri-pl-et” “Ta for quarter notes, and “Ti” for eighth notes. Using this method begins the process of learning how to read musical notes and their corresponding beat count. Working with this method a teacher can create a chart with the different rhythms they are learning, this also supports literacy and working memory.

Fish Face

Fish face is fun. Children make a kissy sound with their mouths to the rhythms modeled by the leader. It is sure to bring waves of laughter as children smooch out their rhythm while making the fish face and kissy sound.