Materials
none
Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle on the floor.
2. Clap a pattern for them to repeat, beginning with a simple "One, two." (Do not say the words.)3. If the children can do this successfully, clap hands on the first beat and tap your knees on the second beat.
4. Add a third beat and accent the first: "One, two, three; one, two, three," clapping hands on one, knees on two and three.
5. Vary the pattern, increasing the difficulty as the children progress.
6. Clap the syllables in words and the children's names, letting the rhythm indicate accented syllables (hi-ber-nate; E-liz-a-beth).
7. As a variation, use clapping to accompany nursery rhymes. For example:One, two, (clap hands twice)Buckle my shoe. (tap knees)Three, four, (clap hands)Shut the door. (tap knees)
