About Rhythmic Activities for Children
Rhythmic activities are an area of school Physical Education curriculum for children. Each area of Physical Education helps children develop a different skill set. Rhythmic activities develop self-expression, movement concepts, concentration and coordination. They also help children gain awareness of their own bodies through locomotor and nonlocomotor movements, which enhances self-confidence. There are four levels of rhythmic activities for elementary age schoolchildren; level one includes Kindergarten through 1st grade, level two includes 2nd through 3rd grade, level three includes 4th through 6th grade, and level four includes 7th and 8th graders. These levels may vary depending on the child's mental, social and physical developmental levels.
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Level One
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Children at this age have short attention spans. Rhythmic activities should not last longer than 10 to 15 minutes. The majority of activities include music with a definite beat that allows children to follow a movement pattern along with the beat of the music. Movement patterns at this level are two to three sequences. More than three is too complicated. After 10 to 15 minutes of sequenced movement, allow children time for creative dance.
Level Two
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With longer attention spans and more motor control, children at this level are ready for rhythmic activities with props, such as hula-hoops, jump ropes and balls. They can easily change movements quickly to the beat of the music or on cue. Attention spans range from 15 to 20 minutes; therefore organized activities may last longer than at Level 1.
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Level Three
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Children at this level enjoy creating their own rhythmic movement sequences to music and sharing them with others. Allow ample time for children to work in pairs or small groups to create rhythmic dance steps, jump-rope tricks or ball plays, such as in basketball, soccer and football. Let children teach their rhythmic activities to other classmates.
Level Four
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At this level, children prefer working in small groups to working in pairs and enjoy imitating popular rhythmic activities, such as well-known dances, sports moves and active video games. Their attention span lasts up to 30 minutes depending on the level of interest in the rhythmic activity. They may also learn several sequences of movement at one time.
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References
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