The Easter rhythm game is a great way to get some extra practise with rhythm and note recognition while also having lots of Easter fun at the same time.
- Print the rhythm game cards and mount them.
- You can either use the ready coloured version or print the plain outline and let the kids decorate them first.
- Cut them out to make 4 picture cards and 4 corresponding rhythm cards.
- This game can be played with children of around 3 years upwards.
- You can keep it simple for younger ones as they will copy and match the sounds by memory, whilst older children will be able to match them by reading the words too.
If you are new to music theory, read my Introducing the Note Family post, which explains basic note values in a child friendly way.
How to play this Easter Rhythm Game
1. Discuss each picture, saying the words and clapping the matching rhythm in turn.
2. Mix them up and ask the child to try to match the pairs of pictures and rhythms. You can also vary this by asking them to close their eyes while you hide one picture and then they have to guess which one you’re hiding.
3. Then use the cards as a prompt, first showing the picture and asking the child to clap the rhythm and say the words that belong to it.
4. Whisper the words of one of the cards e.g “Hot Cross Buns” into one child’s ear. He or she then has to tap that rhythm a couple of times while everyone else has to guess which picture it corresponds to. They can do this by pointing at the picture and saying the words.
5. For older children, you can secretly show them each a rhythm card. They read it and tap the rhythm and see if the others can guess. Tell them you are playing “secret agents” and you are tapping codes to each other!
If you’re looking for more rhythm activities for kids, check out our rhythm Pinterest board.
Follow Sara @ Let’s Play Music’s board Rhythm Games & Activities on Pinterest.
What age of children could play this game? Preschoolers?
Hi Stephanie, I recommend this game for 3 – 6 year olds, but you can vary the way you play with the cards to suit the age of the child. If the child is younger then you can even make a double set and then use it to play a simple matching game of pairs – but always make sure to include reading and clapping the rhythms as part of the game.
With older children, once you’ve read and practiced the rhythms together, you can cut them up, separating the rhythms from the pictures, so that the kids have to work out which rhythm belongs to which picture. See the post for more ideas!
Games are always welcome in my house packed with children 🙂 thank you so much!!!
That’s great Fran! Your house sounds like fun!!😃
Nice game for kids. Thanks!