Rhythm Race Warm-Up

Objective: To quickly engage students, activate their rhythmic understanding, and encourage active listening.

Time: 5 minutes

Instructions:

1. Teacher Claps, Students Echo (2 minutes):

   • The teacher claps a simple 4-beat rhythm (e.g., quarter, quarter, quarter, quarter; or quarter, two eighths, quarter, quarter).
   • Students immediately echo the rhythm back by clapping. Start slowly and gradually increase complexity and tempo.
   • Emphasize listening carefully before responding.

2. Body Percussion Race (3 minutes):

   • The teacher calls out a body percussion action (e.g.,

Rhythm Builder Activity Cards

Objective: To provide students with tangible tools to compose 4-beat rhythms independently or in small groups.

Instructions:

1. Print and Cut: Print multiple copies of the following rhythm cards (at least 5-6 sets per small group if working in groups, or one set per student for individual work). Cut them out individually. Consider printing on cardstock for durability.

2. Rhythm Cards: Each card should clearly display the rhythmic notation and can include a phonetic representation. Teachers can draw these or find printable versions online. Ensure visual clarity and size for easy manipulation.

   • Quarter Note (Ta): Represents 1 beat. (Image of a quarter note)
   • Paired Eighth Notes (Ti-Ti): Represents 1 beat, divided into two equal sounds. (Image of two eighth notes beamed together)
   • Quarter Rest (Rest): Represents 1 beat of silence. (Image of a quarter rest)
   • Half Note (Ta-a): Represents 2 beats. (Image of a half note)
   • Half Rest (Rest-Rest): Represents 2 beats of silence. (Image of a half rest)
   • (Optional) Single Eighth Note (Ti): If students are ready for more complexity. (Image of a single eighth note)
   • (Optional) Sixteenth Notes (Tika-Tika): If students are ready for more complexity. (Image of four sixteenth notes beamed together)

3. Use: Students will arrange these cards in a 4-beat measure to create their rhythms.

Rhythm Remix Game

Objective: To practice performing and responding to layered rhythms in a fun, interactive, and structured way.

Time: 8 minutes

Materials:

• Student-created 4-beat rhythms from the Rhythm Builder Activity Cards (each group will use their layered rhythm)

Instructions:

1. Form Circles (1 minute): Have each small group form a tight circle, facing each other. This helps with focus and reduces external distractions and potential blurting. Remind students about active listening and taking turns.

2. **Performance & Echo (6 minutes):

   • One group (Group A) starts by performing their unique layered rhythm together. They can use body percussion (claps, stomps, snaps) or vocal sounds (e.g., "boom-clap-shhh-tap").
   • Another group (Group B) then echos Group A's rhythm exactly. This requires careful listening.
   • Then, Group B performs their own layered rhythm.
   • Group C then echos Group B's rhythm, and then performs their own rhythm. Continue around the room.
   • Encourage clear, confident performances and accurate echoes. If a group struggles to echo, provide a quick, supportive repetition.

3. Teacher as Conductor (1 minute): Briefly lead the whole class in a simple call-and-response rhythm or a combined performance of all groups' rhythms simultaneously, if time allows and energy is focused. This provides a final unifying experience.