Everyone Gets a Turn to Conduct

In small bands, the child holding the conductor's scarf decides with gestures when to play loud, soft or not at all, and everyone responds with sound and body. It builds attention, decision-making and taking turns.

How to play

1. In a semicircle, the teacher conducts and teaches three signals: arms up, play loud standing tall; arms down, play softly crouching; closed fists, silent statues (3 min).
2. Make four bands of six; each goes to its own corner with a conductor's scarf (1 min).
3. Whoever holds the scarf conducts for a little while; when the teacher calls "Switch!", it passes to the child on the right (7 min).
4. Add a new signal: the conductor walks around the room and the band follows, still playing (2 min).
5. Grand finale: everyone together, with two volunteers conducting the whole orchestra at once (2 min).

Rules

• Everyone gets to conduct, one turn at a time.
• Watch the conductor to know what to do.
• If you don't want to conduct yet, pass the scarf and take a turn later.

Variations

Adaptations

• Autism: conduct as a pair with a friend; the colored scarf signals the upcoming turn.
• Hearing impairment: the game is visual; a classmate taps their shoulder when the conductor changes.
• Limited mobility: instead of crouching and standing, the instrument goes low and high.

Learning goals

• Respond to visual signals with sound and movement.
• Make decisions and see the group follow them.
• Wait for and respect a turn to lead.

Equipment for a class of 25

• homemade shakers: 10
• rhythm sticks: 8
• bucket drums: 7
• scarves: 4

Teacher tip

One band of 25 means endless waiting, so keep groups small and turns around 30 seconds. Many conductors only raise their arms at first; encourage them to "surprise" their band.

More main activities for Elementary