To do: Clap a rhythm and ask your child to copy it.
Time: 5 minutes
Materials: A few easy rhythms

One definition of rhythm is “a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.”

You can find rhythms in music of course, but what about the tick of a clock, the swish of a branch on the window, or the chirps of a bird? Rhythms are everywhere!

You may have noticed that your child instinctively feels rhythms, most of the time with their own body. They might bounce up and down, sway back and forth or move their arms to rhythms of a beloved song or chant.

With today’s game, explore rhythms with your child using your hands!

Activity: Copy Cat Clapping Game

First, determine who will be the clapper, and who will be the copy cat. For example, you might say, “I’ll go first. I’m going to clap a rhythm, and then you copy me and clap the same exact thing!”

As your child becomes more familiar with the game, they might enjoy having you copy them!

Next, facing your child, clap a simple rhythm. A straight 1, 2, 3, 4. Or, 1, 2, 3 AND 4. Increase complexity as your child masters the skill of listening and repeating what they hear!

You can use this game during moments of dedicated “music time”, or explore in the wild! Perhaps while waiting in the car, clap the beat of the windshield wipers or blinker. While on a hike, clap the bird calls you hear!

Additionally, here’s a great article at Montessorium.com from contributor Mercedes Paine Castle called “Rhythms of Childhood.” Enjoy!

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