Stick-Tap Hello

Children move to music tapping their rhythm sticks, and when it stops they find a friend for a special greeting: sticks tap up high, down low, then a spin. It builds coordination with a partner and connection with the whole group.

How to play

1. Learn the greeting: three taps up high against a friend's sticks, three down low, then spin around (2 min).
2. Walk to the music tapping your sticks; when it stops, find a friend and do the greeting (3 min).
3. Greet a different friend each time; if someone is left alone, make it a greeting for three (2 min).
4. In pairs, invent a new greeting and teach it to another pair (2 min).
5. Goodbye circle: tap sticks with the friends on both sides (1 min).

Rules

• Sticks tap sticks, never a friend's hands.
• Look for someone you haven't greeted yet.
• If someone is alone, invite them in.

Variations

Adaptations

• Less coordination: one stick each, and the greeting is touching tips slowly.
• Autism: greet the same trusted partner or the teacher at first.
• Visual impairment: the friend says their name when coming close and guides the first tap.

Learning goals

• Coordinate taps with a partner.
• Interact with many different classmates.
• Enjoy a group greeting ritual.

Equipment for a class of 25

• rhythm sticks: 25
• music

Teacher tip

Stop the music at unpredictable moments and give a few seconds to find a partner before restarting. Some children always go for the same friend; try "greet someone with different-colored shoes."

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