This activity can be used for children grade K—5th. However, more teacher direction is needed for K—1st grade. The ideal grades are 3—5.  The goal is for them to 1) tap the RHYTHM STICKS  four times on the beat, 2) pass the sticks with the right hand while taking from the left.

Setting up the activity

Have the students sit in a circle. Prior to passing out the instruments, instruct the children how to both play and respect the instruments (i.e. model it).Demo for them the activity (1) Tap the sticks four times on the beat, and then 2) pass the sticks with the right hand while taking from the left.

Doing the activity

SPECIAL NOTE FOR K—2ND GRADE TEACHERS: If you are working with K—2nd, I would suggest not passing out all the instruments at one time. Instead, you do it first, then pass to your right. The second time, 1) you and the student on your right do it together, then 2) BOTH of you pass to the right. Continue this until all the students have sticks.

The students have basically four beats to play the instrument and four beats to pass. When they are tapping, count the beats out loud. When you are passing, say, Pass the Instruments if you please, in rhythm. It will take you four beats to say that phrase in rhythm. See below. If you do the activity with recorded instrumental music, make sure the music is in meter of four. Also do not sing the first measure, just say the word in rhythm.