Hopping Rhythm Squares (Solo)
Purpose of this lesson:
The Hopping Rhythm Squares game is an embodied way to learn to understand and play a music score.
The game has a starting point, events along the way, and an ending.
Through hopping the rhythm squares, students learn to calculate how much force they need to complete each jump without overshooting it. This game is also a primer for further rhythmic movement games: Walking Rhythm Squares, Step Ups, and playing rhythms on Balancing on Balance Boards. Students practice doing an activity where they are the center of attention and where they have to wait to be the center of attention. Group members clap one clap(or drum beat) as the player hops the rhythm squares.
This game is a basic form of reading music where students learn to play notes in time.
Students learn that they will make mistakes and that it is OK to make mistakes. They come to understand that they will need to try things several times to improve. This game provides an excellent physical challenge that strengthens and organizes the core muscles of their bodies.