Submitted by Daniel J. Fee, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Idea posted November 30, 2004
The "Get Ready Rhythm" is a one-measure rhythm which changes each week. I have it located on the back of the piano, so it is facing the students. I tell the children to try to clap it out at the beginning of the class. In this way, the students are already engaged while I am prepping for the class or having a brief conversation with their teacher about a child.
When I'm ready to start class, I say, "And stop!" Then I call on a student, ask for a volunteer, or sometimes have the whole class clap the "Get Ready Rhythm." We ALWAYS have the entire class clap the rhythm several times together. I also have all the previous rhythms posted on the wall so we can clap the past rhythms out also. I teach my older students traditional "counting," and this is a way for them to apply that knowledge.
My classes seem to like the "Get Ready Rhythm" and are doing pretty well with it. I have a few groups that actually begin clapping the "Get Ready Rhythm" while in line before they get to their spots on the carpet!
I like the structure that the "Get Ready Rhythm" adds to class. I also like the fact that it uses time wisely and gets the students engaged right from the get-go!