With younger students I start to teach rhythm by emphasizing that the terms “beat” and “rhythm” are different. When teaching some of the following songs, I have students pat the beat and clap the rhythm. I use laminated cards that say “beat” and “rhythm.” Whichever card I hold up, that is what they pat or clap. While there are countless songs you could do this with, here are a few with activities.

Songs/Activities with beat vs. rhythm

• Cherries Ripe
• Chumbara
• Closet Key
• Cobbler Cobbler
• Engine Engine Number Nine
• I Had a Little Nut Tree
• Jean Jean Dressed in Green
• Jelly on a Plate
• Mrs. Macaroni
• Muffin Man

See also

• beat vs. no beat
• more steady beat resources
• Kindergarten Rhythm Lessons & Resources
• 1st Grade Rhythm Lessons & Resources

Extras for Plus Members

• Printable Rhythm & Beat Word Cards