Game: Which Rhythm Pattern Do You Hear?

Today, I thought I’d share about a quick and fun rhythm game I’ve been using lately with some of my younger students.

Game: Which Rhythm Pattern Do You Hear?

1. Choose two animal erasers.
2. The teacher creates two rhythm patterns using these free cards, laying out each one by an animal eraser.
3. The teacher chants one of the two rhythm patterns and asks the student: Which animal’s rhythm pattern did you hear?
4. Repeat with new rhythm patterns.
5. If the student is ready for it, next try having the teacher and the student switch roles.

I like this activity because it keeps the focus on the SOUND of the rhythm patterns and because the only notation-related skill that is required is recognition. When switching roles, of course, the student is then required to create and perform notated rhythm patterns.

If you use Irina Gorin’s method book or if you want to keep things simpler, you can use Othello chips instead of rhythm value cards.

And if you are working with a small group of students, here is an idea for variating the game:

1. Each student notates a rhythm pattern, with an animal eraser sitting near it.
2. Whoever is “it” randomly chooses a pattern and chants it for the group.
3. The rest of the students identify which animal’s pattern was heard.

Have fun!