Create a series of different movements that forms a pattern or rhythm. Clap your hands, stomp your feet, skip, hop and jump around the gymnasium. Ask the students to follow your rhythm as they too move through the gym. Have the children listen to the pattern and make note of anyone not following the same rhythm. Start with one motion such as clapping your hands to a specific beat and moving at the same time. Slowly introduce other sounds into the pattern, giving the children time to adjust to each one.
The popcorn game is a fun game using an old parachute and balls from the gym. The children stand around the parachute and lift it up in the air. Show the kids how to slowly move the parachute up and down, creating a rhythm as a group. Toss one ball into the parachute and have the kids adjust their movements to form a new rhythm. Keep adding more balls into the parachute and asking the kids to change the rhythm of their motions. The kids should use enough force to make the balls bounce into the air, resembling popcorn as it pops.
Turn the gymnasium into a large game of follow the leader. Arrange the children in a line and show each one the rhythm you want them to follow. Have the kids stomp their feet or clap their hands. Make things easier by playing music in the background, using one of the compilation CDs designed for children. Hearing the music while moving helps the kids know what pattern or rhythm to follow. Let the kids take turns moving around the room, following the established rhythm.
Rhythm sticks are musical devices made from wood. Incorporate the rhythm sticks into the PE classroom for the third- and fourth-graders. Show the kids how to make different sounds by using the sticks in different ways, such as hitting it with your hand or tapping it against your leg. Invite the kids into the activity and ask for help in creating a new rhythm. Let each child make a different sound or movement and string those sounds together as a group.