Skip Counting Rhythms

Repeated Patterns (skip counting by 10s, 5s, and 2s)   

Process 

Repeat a 4-count body percussion pattern over and over and invite the students to join in. Make the pattern interesting for them. Include at least two things in the pattern and stick with simple rhythms (1, 2, 3 & 4)

Count together by 10s up to 100 along with the pattern, placing the numbers of counts 1 and 3. 

Change the pattern and do it again. Allow a student volunteer to come up with a repeated pattern (if they want to; if not, don’t force it) and everyone join in and count by 10s

Change the pattern and count by 5s up to 100.

Change the pattern and count by 2s up to 30. 

For any of these steps (above), place the numbers on counts 1, 2, 3, and 4. 

For any of these steps (above), vary the tempo and/or volume.

Extension: For any of these steps (above), add an accelerando, ritardando, crescendo, or decrescendo/diminuendo. However, at this point it isn’t necessary to talk about what these are called; simply say speed up gradually, slow down gradually, get gradually louder, get gradually softer.