Rocket to the Moon
What is it?
Rocket to the Moon is a fun and engaging exercise that teaches children the skill of counting down together to synchronize an action. Using a rocket launch metaphor, children learn to count down from a specified number to "Launch," promoting teamwork, timing, and coordination.
Why this is important
To make music together we need to be able to start together and keep a steady pulse together.
Starting together and keeping a steady pulse are foundational skills for ensemble music making. This exercise helps children develop these skills in an enjoyable and memorable way.
In music and in life it is important to know where we are, where we are going how to get there and when to start. Basically be oriented in space and time.The game gives the embodied experience to start something, starting at a precise time, and be synchronized in timing.
Rocket to the Moon
Level 1 Hands are the Rocket.
Students sit, hands on their laps, count "4", "3", "2", "1", "Launch". On 'launch', their hands go up in the air over their heads.
Each rotation they move up a square, they swing the rope or 'pool noddle'.
Level 2 Bodies are the rocket.
Students are on the floor in a squat. They count "4", "3", "2", "1", "Launch". On 'launch', they jump straight up as high as they can.
Level 3 Teachers use a large foam pool noodle like a jump rope. Student run from the "Launch Pad". Students have to time their launch to the swinging of the noodle.
Each rotation they move up a square, they swing the rope or 'pool noddle'.
Level 4 Students have a line to the launch pad.
With each launch, they must move forward to the Each rotation they move up a square, they swing the rope or 'pool noddle'. The launches stay in rhythm THe next pair has to get to the launch pad and launch on time.
Level 5 Students swing the Noodle and launch the rockets.
Each rotation they move up a square, they swing the rope or 'pool noddle'. The launches stay in rhythm THe next pair has to get to the launch pad and launch on time.
Level 6 Countdown to Launching Watermelon HandShakes.
Student and teacher or two students do a countdown and launch their hands into a watermelon handshake. This helps students practice synchronizing with a partner. This is a great skill builder to be able to play a music piece together.
This exciting approach not only captures children's imaginations but also reinforces the importance of synchronization in a playful way.