Hello on Beat Four
Children walk to the hand drum's beat, counting the beats, and on beat four, which is louder, they greet whoever is closest. Children practice steady beat, hearing a strong beat, and connecting with classmates.
How to play
- In a circle, the teacher plays four beats with the last one louder, and everyone counts "one, two, three, hello!" with a big clap on four (1 min).
- Walk around the yard: one step on each beat, and on the loud beat stop and wave "Hello!" (1 min).
- Now greet someone: on the loud beat, give a high five to the nearest classmate (1 min).
- Change the greeting: elbow bump, knee bump, foot tap, or back to back (2 min).
- Last greeting: walk very slowly, and on the loud beat make a small group hug (1 min).
Rules
- One step on each beat.
- Greet only on the loud beat.
- If someone already has a partner, greet another friend.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher counts out loud and the greeting is always a wave in the air, no partner.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, greet a classmate and change the body part.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the loud beat can be the second, third, or fourth: listen carefully.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: classmates come to greet the wheelchair user, who keeps the beat with a hand.
- Autism: allow no-touch greetings, such as waving from a distance.
- Hearing impairment: lift the drum up high on the loud beat.
Learning goals
- Walk in time with a steady beat.
- Recognize the strong beat in a series.
- Interact with different classmates through greetings.
Equipment for a class of 25
- pandero
Teacher tip
Make beat four clearly louder and pause for a moment so there's time to greet. If the same kids always cluster together, ask them to greet someone they haven't greeted yet.
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