Overview and benefit

Learning about rhythm is a natural prelude to language development as language relies heavily on rhythms and intonation.  All young children also enjoy making rhythmic sounds especially when instruments are involved. A good sense of rhythm helps language development and also motor skills. Before children can learn to respond in a rhythmic way to music they need to be able to identify and feel the beat. This activity is similar to ‘beat it’ for the older children but the parents play the rhythm just so the babies can start to feel it.

Training Videos

Musicallity – Baby Beat It-1 from MAD Academy on Vimeo.

Cobbler Cobbler

Cobbler Cobbler-1 from MAD Academy on Vimeo.

This is the way we tap our sticks

This Is The Way We Tap Our Sticks-1 from MAD Academy on Vimeo.

Castanet Song

Equipment required

• tap sticks or maracas, castanets or drums

Duration

Up to six weeks

How it works

Use simple rhymes and song and encourage participation by tapping, shaking or banging along to the beat.  This is best done unaccompanied in order that the babies can really focus on the rhythms.

Suggested songs are:

• This is the way we tap our sticks (to the tune of here we go the mulberry bush)  This Is The Way We Tap Our Sticks
• There is a cobbler down our street (see lyrics)  Cobbler Cobbler
• Old MacDonald had a band (sung to the instrumental version)  Old MacDonald Instrumental
• Everybody do this, do this, do this  FCM_tempo_instrument_tempo_everybody_do_it.mp3
• Happy and you know (Instrumental version – sing tap your sticks, or bang a drum)  If You're Happy and You Know It Instrumental
• Castanet Song FCMS Sequence Movements ABC Music Castanets
• The Sticks on the Drum  This Is The Way We Tap Our Sticks

What to do in the class

Give out the instruments. Use instrument that are simple for them to beat the time to. Parents will need to work the babies hands in time to the beat so small hand drums,shakers, tins, shoe boxes or castanets are all good options. Introduce the song and then go for it.

Adaptations for older/younger children

This will work well for all age groups

What to do in a nursery setting

None required