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
- Bate bate chocolate
- Cherries Ripe
- Chumbara
- Closet Key
- Cobbler Cobbler
- Engine Engine Number Nine
- Frère Jacques / Are You Sleeping
- Hello My Name is Joe (Jo)
- I Had a Little Nut Tree
- Jean Jean Dressed in Green
- Jelly on a Plate
- Mrs. Macaroni
- Muffin Man
Beat vs. Rhythm Handouts
- Available on this page: Arre mi burrito
- Available on this page: Cherries Ripe
- Available on this page: Cobbler Cobbler
- Available on this page: Closet Key
- Available on this page: Frère Jacques / Are You Sleeping
- Available on this page: Jelly on a Plate
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
