Pitch Activity Book - The Drum Game and Copy Me

The Drum Game is an engaging activity that hones children's listening and response skills through interactive play. Children gather in a circle or group setting, ready to follow the rhythm set by the drum. The rules are straightforward: a slow drumbeat prompts the children to clap in sync, a faster beat means tapping their knees, and the fastest tempo has them rolling their hands in a 'roly poly' motion. When the drumming stops, the children stop too. Initially, the instructor calls out the actions, but as the children grow more adept, they are encouraged to follow the drum's cues without verbal prompts, sharpening their attentiveness.

The game offers various extension possibilities to suit the children's abilities. For instance, a slower pulse can be introduced for the children to create their own action, or rhythm patterns can be incorporated, with different patterns signaling specific actions like knee tapping or hand clapping. Copy Me is another versatile game focused on maintaining a steady pulse. It starts with simple actions repeated eight times for the children to mimic, allowing them to grasp the sequence and anticipate changes. As they become more proficient, the number of repetitions can be reduced. Counting aloud initially helps establish the rhythm, which is later internalized through movement. Eventually, children can lead the game, drawing from a repertoire of actions they've learned, thus fostering leadership and creativity.