Submitted by Becky Luce, New Hampshire

Idea posted September 29, 2009

(This is Becky's response to a fellow MusicK8.com List Members' e-mail regarding students having issues clapping out certain rhythms while in large groups.)

I've encountered the same problem in other selections and here's the process I follow:

I have them SAY what they're supposed to be doing. For instance, if they have 3 quarter rests followed by 1 clap, we say:

rest, rest, rest, clap - and we keep saying that until it's uniform

then...

say the above and add the clap when they speak it

then...

whisper the rests, speak and do the clap

then...

think the rests, speak and do the clap

then...

think the rests and do the clap

It almost never fails... starting at the very simplest level and gradually increasing it. This give all kids a chance to succeed, because it's broken down into smaller steps. I make a challenge of it by saying there's a challenge with five levels, and that we all have to work together to get to level five. It's fun for all of us, actually!