Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The Use Of Rhythm Sticks For Children

By Angel Dudley


Rhythm sticks are simple instruments used for producing a beat. They are fun and simple to use, offering a great way of teaching children many beneficial skills. They do not even realize that they are learning because they are enjoying themselves so much. This makes them the ideal tool for use in the classroom.

These items are available for purchase at many local stores as well as from online stores. Purchasing online offers the benefit of reading reviews written by satisfied customers. Many of these items are made from wood and this is often just finished and left unpainted. Other materials like plastic may also be used. The plastic items are lightweight and easy to clean. However, many people prefer the feel and sound of wooden ones.

Some sets consist of two smooth sticks whilst others can consist of up to 24 items in different primary color groups. Some sets contain one smooth and one serrated stick. There are sets that contain guides to activities for children. It is important to choose a good quality finish for safety purposes. Some children tend to put items in their mouths and you do not want them swallowing paint chips or splinters.

Using these instruments in the classroom allows children to not only have fun and expend energy but learn many necessary skills too. Children start to identify a beat and develop a sense of rhythm. It helps to begin with a song with a strong beat. Songs with contrasting rhythms may be introduced later to help them learn concepts like fast and slow, loud and quiet.

Setting the stage with clear, concise, instructions appropriate to the age group is a key to using the sticks safely. Children need to be taught about personal space and how to respect others. Such a situation gives a chance to teach this, helping to prevent problems like a stick poking an eye or being put in a mouth.

Perceptual-motor skills are effectively reinforced by the creative use of these sticks. Both fine and gross motor skills and eye-hand coordination are practiced. Learning directional differences like up and down or right and left can also be effectively taught in this manner.

Once the children have mastered a basic beat, gradually more beats can be added. As the children learn to echo what they are shown, they learn a pattern of beats. In this way they develop their memory and listening skills without even realizing it. As they grow in confidence, so more intricate patterns can be learned.

Apart from just learning to follow instructions, children can also learn to experiment and develop their artistic expression. They can be given opportunities to discover a whole world of sound. For example, they can try tapping against different objects, like the floor or their shoes, to see what sounds they can create.

After mastering the ability to follow instructions and beat in time, they can be given a chance to improvise. At this point they can begin to create their own rhythms. Research has indicated that children with a strong rhythmic ability are more likely to read well, have good co-ordination and suffer fewer injuries. Rhythm sticks are an invaluable tool when it comes to developing a sense of rhythm.




About the Author:



Add to Technorati Favorites Bookmark and Share

0 comments: