Beat Versus Rhythm


 

As the children to keep the beat on their lap as you sing the song. Sing the song and keep the beat. As the children to tap the rhythm of the words with their other hand on their lap. Sing the song and tap the rhythm of the words. Split the group in half. Have half the group tap the beat and the other half tap the rhythm of the words as you sing. Switch and sing again. For fun, challenge the children to keep the beat in their left hand and the rhythm of the words in their right hand (or visa versa). Sing the song and tap the beat AND the rhythm of the words. It is pretty rough, but the kids really like it and they are LEARNING the songs as their hands are trying to do the rhythms.  4/4 time: (Right hand) slap thigh, lift hand (hit the back of the right hand with the palm of the left hand), snap (left), slap hand (right)... repeat... OR... (with both hands) lap, lap, clap, clap, lap, clap, snap, hold, (repeat) lap, lap, clap, clap, lap, clap, snap... or any combination of laps claps, snaps, etc..