Submitted by Sandy Elder, Michigan
Idea posted February 19, 2002
I have to share a new game I made up (no doubt a conglomeration of ideas gleaned from you people as well as myself!) called Body Rhythms.
GRADE:
All. Just make the rhythms grade level-appropriate.
MATERIALS:
Board to keep score and your own bodies.
HOW TO PLAY:
- Boys and girls sit separately, one team behind the other. Choose captains.
- Captains' tasks: Make sure all students are participating and help keep the team organized and working together. Captain may also be the "reader" who reads the rhythm back to the teacher/class.
- Clap a rhythm for team one. They clap it back (and/or say with Kodály syllables, "ta"...).
- Using every person on their team (captain may remain out to "read"), they must notate the rhythm with their bodies on the floor. No one may be left standing (add bar lines if necessary). The team gets a point if correctly notated and read.
- Clap a different rhythm for team two. Repeat procedures.
- Once both teams have taken their first turn, try giving both teams their rhythms (making sure they're different) back to back without waiting, so both teams notate at the same time.
I had two classes come to music together because of a scheduling goof (which gave me a much needed break in my schedule right now!), and we played one class vs. the other. The second graders almost beat my thirds. What fun!