by Kristin Pugliese
I am always thinking of new ways to practice the steady beat with my students and games are the best way to practice concepts without everyone getting bored! Here is a simple fun game to play with your students that will be perfect for the down time after your winter concert!
MATERIALS
- Drum
METHODS
- Tap steady beat to a chosen song to get the feeling of a beat in their bodies
- Take out a drum ~ when I play the steady beat, you stomp it and when I stop, you freeze
- Play and stop at random
- Continue to play, but play:
1. Loudly
2. Softly (see if they tip toe)
3. Quickly
4. Slowly - Have kids take turns being the leader
- After everyone is finished, highlight loud, soft, fast, and slow playing ~ did they notice?
You can also highlight different techniques for playing. One student played with his elbow because he saw me do it last year. Another student took really long rests, etc.… It was so great to see how various students made this activity their own! I was able to check in with each kid while the rest were having a blast following the leader!!
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