Begin with simple imitation. Instruct the children to copy you. Clap out a short pattern and have the students echo. You can clap, stomp, or make other body-percussion sounds. Keep the patterns short and simple. After the children are comfortable with echoing, you might try having one of them create the pattern for the others to imitate.
Play instruments. Distribute various simple rhythm instruments such as drums, sticks, maracas, and tambourines. If you don't have these in your classroom, you may be able to make them with your class. For instance, an empty coffee can or oatmeal box can serve as a drum, and two plastic cups taped together with dried beans or raw rice inside can serve as a shaker instrument. Continue the same imitation game from step one but now have the students repeat the patterns on their instruments.
Experiment with tempo and dynamics. In your echoing game, vary the pattern you play by using fast rhythms, slow rhythms, loud sounds, and soft sounds. Choose several different recorded songs to play for the children and have them play along. Ideally, the songs should reflect different tempos, dynamics, and rhythm patterns. If your class tends to get too loud or a little out of control as they play along, you might use signals to indicate certain smaller groups to play while others are silent. You could have all the girls play, then all the boys, or you could call out colors of clothing (eg, "If you have on a red shirt, play along.").
Perform a familiar song together. You could practice the song and possibly even use it in a performance for parents. You might use the traditional song "If You're Happy and You Know It."
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands [clap, clap]
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands [clap, clap]
If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands [clap, clap]
The song uses various body percussion sounds, but you could use also instruments in your performance. Change the lyrics to suit your instruments:
If you're happy and you know it, play your [drum, maraca, etc.]....
Parents will be pleased to see their children making beautiful music, and the children will enjoy themselves as well!