Newspaper Lummi Sticks with a Partner

Each student makes two sticks from rolled-up newspaper and, sitting across from a partner, learns a pattern of floor taps, stick clicks and partner taps to the beat of the music. Students practice rhythm, two-handed coordination and staying in sync.

How to play

1. Each student rolls two double sheets of newspaper very tight and tapes them to make two sticks (4 min).
2. In pairs, sitting face to face about 3 ft apart, practice the basic tap: both sticks on the floor, then together, on the beat (3 min).
3. Add the partner tap: each taps their right stick against the partner's right stick, then the left (4 min).
4. Teach the eight-count pattern: floor, together, right with partner, together, floor, together, left with partner, together (5 min).
5. Play it to slow-beat music, then speed up with a second song (4 min).
6. Each pair invents a four-count variation and shows it to the pair next to them (2 min).

Rules

• Sticks hit sticks or the floor, never hands or heads.
• Keep about 3 ft between you and your partner.
• When the teacher raises a hand, sticks go still on the floor.
• At the end, sticks go in the recycling bin or are saved for next class.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the partner sits at chair height and floor taps are done on a table.
• Visual impairment: wrap the sticks in brightly colored tape and have the partner call out each tap.
• Coordination level: a student who struggles uses one stick while the partner plays the full pattern.

Learning goals

• Keep the beat with coordinated taps using both hands.
• Stay in sync with a partner during a rhythm pattern.
• Create a simple rhythm variation.

Equipment for a class of 25

• newspaper sheets: 50
• music
• masking tape: 2

Teacher tip

The tighter the roll, the better it sounds and the less it bends. Ask families for newspapers the week before and have tape ready.

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