This rhythms game is a great way to develop listening skills and help students to learn about rhythm.
The teacher and students take turns to select one of 12 different one bar (4 beat) phrases. See the handout on our google drive.
They do not tell the others which phrase they are going to play. They just play the rhythm as written. The rhythms are written on F, but they can play it on any note they like.
The others then have to guess which of the 12 rhythms they have played. Rather than shout out, the students should put their hands up so the teacher can pick one to give an answer.
Check with the player if the answer is correct. If not, ask another student to give an answer.
Once the correct answer has been given, get all the students to play the same rhythm. The teacher should lead this.
Next, the student who gave the correct answer takes a turn or, another volunteer has a go.
Note that the student playing the rhythm may need help and encouragement to play it correctly. If they don’t get it right after a couple of tries, no matter. By giving everybody a go at playing it together, they get another chance.
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