Explain what rhythm is to children. Inform them that it is a repeat pattern in sound. Offer them examples of when they may hear rhythm; a clock ticking, a bird chirping or in the songs that they sing or hear on the radio.
Provide a concrete example of rhythm to children. Sing a song that they are familiar with; Before singing the song, ask children to listen for repeated sounds in the song. After singing the song, ask children, if they can identify the rhythm.
Explain to children that they are going to make their own rhythms. Start by creating rhythmic sounds with the body. For example, clap your hands twice, stomp your foot once and repeat over and over again for the children to hear. Ask children to imitate the rhythm you are creating. Once children exhibit understanding of this simple rhythm, create a more complex one, such as clap, stomp, clap, clap, stomp.
Invite children to create their own rhythms. Ask a child to stand up and create a rhythm using her hands and feet. Provide help, if needed. Ask the rest of the children to imitate the rhythm the child is making. Ask more children to volunteer to create rhythms.
Distribute instruments to children. Explain to children that you are going to use the instruments to create rhythms. Use an instrument to create a rhythm and repeat the rhythm a few times for children to hear. Once children are familiar with the rhythm, ask them to repeat it, using their own instruments. Invite children to create rhythms for the group to follow.
Use the instruments to imitate the rhythm in familiar songs. Sing a song aloud with children. After singing the song, sing it again and have children use their instruments to create the rhythm in the song.