Body Percussion Round in Groups
Students learn an eight-count body percussion pattern using claps, thigh pats, snaps and stomps, then perform it as a round in four groups. They practice keeping a steady beat, coordination and listening to the group.
How to play
- Have the class stand in a circle and set a steady beat with alternating steps, counting out loud from 1 to 8 (2 min).
- Teach the pattern in chunks: clap-clap (1-2), thighs-thighs (3-4), chest-snap (5-6), stomp-stomp (7-8), repeating each chunk until it is solid (5 min).
- Link the four chunks and play the whole pattern five times in a row, slow at first and then faster (3 min).
- Split the class into four groups of 6 at the corners of a square; group 1 starts and each group comes in when the previous one reaches count 5 (5 min).
- Each group creates its own four-count ending and adds it to the round (3 min).
- Final performance: all four groups play the round twice and finish together with one big stomp (2 min).
Rules
- Nobody touches a classmate: percussion is on your own body only.
- Pat your chest and thighs gently; the sound comes from technique, not force.
- If a group gets lost, wait for the next count 1 and jump back in without stopping the others.
- Stay quiet during instructions so everyone can hear the beat.
Variations
Easier
Play the pattern all together in unison, with no round, using only claps and thigh pats.
Standard
Perform the four-part round with the eight-count pattern.
Harder
Add one step on each stomp so the groups rotate around the square while they play.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: replace stomps with hand slaps on the chair or a desk.
- Hearing impairment: the teacher also shows the beat with a raised arm, and each group watches a visual leader.
- Coordination level: students who struggle keep just the beat with stomps while their group plays the pattern.
Learning goals
- Keep a steady beat throughout a rhythmic pattern.
- Coordinate different body parts to create sounds.
- Listen to the group to come in and drop out on time in a round.
Teacher tip
The usual mistake is speeding up; keep the tempo with stomps or a metronome and only go faster once everyone is steady. Spread the groups far enough apart to hear each other without blending.
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