Boomwhackers Movement Challenge

by Kristin Pugliese

Games are always a great option, and here’s a fun, creative one your students can enjoy in just 15–30 minutes! The best part? It requires minimal setup and gives your voice a much-needed break. Start with a quick mini lesson, then let the kids dive right in. It’s perfect for those busy days when there's a lot happening!

MATERIALS:

• Paper/ sentence strips
• Crayons or pencils ~ depending on grade level
• Note Knacks
• Enough Boomwhackers for everyone in your group (to make up a Major Chord)

METHOD:

• “What are some ways we can play our Boomwhackers?
• Body
• Surface
• Boomwhacker with Boomwhacker (horizontal or vertical)
• Swords

• Rhythm review ~ working with Note Knacks, create a 2-4 mm rhythm as a class in a 4/4 time signature frame
• Have kids practice playing what they composed either with body percussion or the Boomwhackers
• Assignment:
• Each group needs to create a 4-6 mm rhythm (shorter if younger OR they can use the rhythm you created as a class)
• Decide who plays what when
• …while creating movement for when you play the piece
• You have 30 minutes then your group will perform
• Put kids into groups of 2, 3 or 4
• Give them materials
• Kids go off and CREATE!!
• Give kids 5-minute warning until performances
• Have each group perform

My students did such a great job! They had such creative ideas, and some groups really created full blown mini plays!!