- containers (empty), lids, tubes, boxes, bottles
- craft sticks or painter stirrers
- marker
- pencils (unsharpened; with erasers
- listen
- loud
- rhythm
- soft
- sound
- tap
MA Standards:
Language/L.PK.MA.6: Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, listening to books read aloud, activities, and play.
MA Draft STE Standards:
Physical Sciences/Matter and Its Interactions/Properties of Matter PS1.B: Differentiate between the properties of an object and those of the material of which it is made in science explorations and activities such as art and music.
Head Start Outcomes:
Logic and Reasoning/Reasoning and Problem Solving: Recognizes cause and effect relationships.
Logic and Reasoning/Reasoning and Problem Solving: Classifies, compares, and contrasts objects, events, and experiences.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
Science and Technology/Technology and Engineering 23: Explore and describe a wide variety of natural and man-made materials through sensory experiences.
Explore Together (indoors): Follow Along
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
STEM Key Concepts: Sounds have a source; Different objects make different sounds; An action has to happen to make a sound
ELA Focus Skills: Follow Directions, Speaking and Listening, Vocabulary
Display the materials. Have each child choose two tapping sticks and an object to tap. Tell children they are going to explore tapping rhythms in different ways.
- Put on a recording of rhythmic instrumental music with a strong beat such as marching music. Have children explore tapping out the rhythm. Encourage them to change the volume from loud to soft as they explore.
After children have explored different ways of tapping the sticks to the rhythm, explain that you want to play a game with them called “Follow Me.” Tell children you will change the way you tap the sticks as you listen to the music.
Stop periodically to note the sounds each tapping makes. Say, Follow the way I am tapping my sticks to the rhythm. When I am going to change how I am tapping, I will use a loud voice and describe what I am going to do next. I will say, “Follow me! Tap your sticks softly on the floor.” Play the music and use these ideas to get started:
- Tap the sticks together
- Tap the sticks on the floor (change the action: two sticks together; right stick for two beats and left stick for two beats; alternate right, left, right, left, etc.)
- Tap your thigh with the sticks
- Pound the top of the stick on the floor
- “Hammer” one stick with the other
Once children are comfortable with the activity, play another piece of music and have each child call out an action for the group to follow. Encourage children to find new ways to tap the rhythm.