Beat Leaders

Steady beat is a skill that we work on at all grade levels.  A fun activity that we do in third grade is called "Beat Leaders".  Students work in groups of 4 or 5 and practice different ways to show steady beat.  Clapping, patting, nodding, stomping, etc... are some basic ways to do this.  These clever third graders used moves like flapping, poking and air punches to show the beat!  This activity can be done anywhere.  Just turn on some music.  I like to piece instrumental pieces so that the words don't distract from find the beat.