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How to Teach Rhythm to Children

Children are very good at making noise; if you are creative, you can use that skill to create a lesson on rhythm. All children need to learn and hone the skills of rhythm recognition, performance and repetition. Teaching rhythm to children can be fun for the instructor as well as the kids as it is a hands-on activity full of creative movements. After teaching and mastering rhythm, let the kids form their own band and beat out their own rhythms.

Things You'll Need

  • Maracas (optional)
  • Tambourines (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Gather the children into a circle. Have them sit with their legs crossed with a small amount of space in between. Sit in the circle with the children. Pass out instruments if you are using them.

    • 2

      Clap a simple rhythm with your hands or play on the instrument if you are using one. Instruct the children to listen and remember the beats. Clap the rhythm again.

    • 3

      Have the students repeat the rhythm back to you in unison. Look for children who are off beat. Have the children repeat the rhythm until the majority of the group can repeat it back accurately.

    • 4

      Clap a more complex rhythm and repeat Steps 2 and 3. The more complex the rhythm is, the longer it may take for everyone to master it.

    • 5

      Start a rhythm and have each child add beats as they pass it around the circle. Each child will repeat the rhythm that the student before them performed plus add onto it. The game ends with the instructor having to repeat all the beats.

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