Paint and Pages

One of my favorite new things I’ve adopted this year is incorporating rhythm sticks into our preschool music and movement time.

I purchased a set of 30 rhythm sticks for around $30 online. The smiles and delight they bring to my students each day make the purchase worth every penny.

The fun is contagious! My colleagues have purchased rhythm sticks after seeing the fun their students have using mine. One colleague comically received rhythm sticks the size of chopsticks! She was refunded and ordered another set.

One thing I notice; when we use rhythm sticks, everyone participates. Everyone. Everyone is engaged. Everyone is moving and in the present moment. I look forward to using rhythm sticks each day and I know my students do as well.

There are so many great videos online for using rhythm sticks. We love, “Makin’ Music Rockin’ Rhythm”

Another classic that never gets old is Hap Palmer’s, “Tap Your Sticks”. Our district has been very short on subs lately, and when we have bonus students in our classroom, we love to welcome them to our classroom with some songs using rhythm sticks. They are a real hit! 😉

Another song we enjoy is “Woodpecker”. Especially this version, which introduces students to reading music.

Lately, I’ve been holding up numeral cards and asking students to tap their sticks x times. Students enjoy it and I hope that it helps students learn to recognize numbers and attach numerals to quantity.

“Crab Rave” with my students

We are starting to get creative with our rhythm sticks. I made up some moves for students to do to the viral “Crab Rave” video. Students love it and I hope to encourage students to develop their own moves for songs as well. Perhaps a “Follow the leader” type game where we can take turns leading the rhythm stick moves.