Making a rhythm

Ages 3 to 5 Read and do together · about 10 minutes

Read together

A beat is steady, like a heart. Tap, tap, tap, tap.

A rhythm is a pattern of short and long sounds.

Do it

1. Tap a steady beat on your knees. Keep it going.
2. Say your name in rhythm: “Ma-ri-a” (ta-ta-ta), “Ben” (ta). Clap it.
3. Make a rhythm with two sounds: clap, clap, stomp. Repeat it. Can your child copy?
4. Play it with spoons and pots, then with your feet.

Talk about it

• Can you keep the beat while I change the rhythm?
• What is the rhythm of your name?

For the grown-up

Keeping a steady beat is a basic music skill. Rhythm is how sounds are grouped in long and short. Keep the sounds gentle to protect little ears.

Mark as done

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Where this comes from

This is a play and practice activity with no factual claims to source.

Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed. Please read it before sharing it with a child.