5 Fun Activities for Teaching Strong and Weak Beats

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After children have learned steady beat the next thing for them to understand is that music is made up of strong and weak beats. Scholars need to be able to feel the beat in various meters. Below are some ways that I like to teach strong and weak beats.

Ball Bounce

What kid doesn’t love playing with different kids of balls?! Find ways to incorporate it into your music lesson. Become friends with your PE teacher so you can save on purchases. Have scholars bounce the ball on the strong beat and catch the ball on the weak beats.

Meter Tag

This game is like tag but scholars can only move on the strong beats. Have scholars spread out around the room. Keep a beat of 2, 3, or 4. I usually start with meter of 2. Scholars can only move on the downbeat (strong beat). The objective, like regular tag, is to try and get as many people out the game. Feel free to add your own personal twist to Meter Tag!

One Shoe

This works great with meter of 2. Have scholars take off one shoe. The shoe that is still on becomes the strong beat. Have scholars march around the room so that they can feel the strong/weak in their body.

Hula Hoops

I use to have so much fun with hula hoops growing up so it’s always great when you can bring a childhood favorite into your classroom. Place the hula hoop on the floor. You can play music of different meters (2/4, 3/4, and 4/4). Have your scholars jump in the hoop on the strong beat and jump out on the weak beat.

Rhythm Sticks

Rhythms Stick can help scholars understand just about any concept so if you don’t have these in your class I suggest you invest in a classroom set if you can! I have my scholars play the rhythm sticks on the strong beats and hit them on the ground on the weak beats but you can use whatever movement that works for your class.

What are some activities you use in your classroom to teach strong and weak beats? I’d love to hear from you![/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjdtYWlsbXVuY2gtZm9ybXMtd2lkZ2V0LTY2Mzc3MSUyNyUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUwQQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_text_separator title=”PRODUCTS FOR YOU” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-cart” i_color=”custom” color=”custom” el_width=”70″ add_icon=”true” accent_color=”#d81e00″ i_custom_color=”#d81e00″][vc_single_image image=”258″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” title=”Strong and Weak Beat Listening Sheet” link=”http://www.primarilymusic.com/product/strong-and-weak-beats-listening-sheet/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”PIN ME FOR LATER!” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-pinterest” i_color=”custom” color=”custom” add_icon=”true” accent_color=”#1f3261″ i_custom_color=”#d81e00″][vc_single_image image=”244″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]