Tap-Tap: Marching With Two Sticks

Each child carries two short, smooth sticks and marches around tapping them together to the beat of the drum, changing speed and the way they walk. It warms up the body and builds rhythm and arm-leg coordination.

How to play

1. Everyone takes two short sticks and we tap them sitting down: tap-tap up high, tap-tap down low, tap-tap on the ground (1 min).
2. March around tapping the sticks once with every step, following a slow drumbeat (1 min).
3. The drum speeds up and we march and tap faster, then it slows back down (1 min).
4. When the drum stops, freeze and hide the sticks behind your back (1 min).
5. March with high knees, tapping the sticks under the knee that comes up (1 min).
6. Finish in a circle, laying the sticks on the ground side by side, very carefully (1 min).

Rules

• Sticks only tap other sticks or the ground.
• I carry my sticks pointing down when I walk.
• When the drum stops, I stop and hide my sticks.
• No running with sticks.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: keep the beat seated, tapping the sticks together or on the wheelchair armrest.
• Hearing loss: the teacher also shows the beat with a big, visible arm motion and signals freezes by crossing arms.
• Less hand control: use one thicker stick to tap on the ground or against the palm.

Learning goals

• Match steps to a beat.
• Coordinate arm and leg movements.
• Handle a natural object with care.

Equipment for a class of 25

• short sticks: 50
• hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

Sticks should be short (about a hand span), thick, and with no points or splinters; sand or peel them if needed. Show first how to carry them, always pointing down.

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