Rhythm:

• Basis of music and dance
• Expressive movement made with or without music
• All body movements tend to be rhythmic
• Particularly appropriate for young children
• Early experiences center on functional and creative movement forms
• Locomotor skills are inherently rhythmic

Types of rhythmic activity that should be included in a program:

• Fundamental rhythms
• Creative rhythms
• Singing movement songs
• Folk dances
• Mixers
• Aerobic dancing
• Square dancing
• Rope jumping to music
• Musical games
• Rhythmic gymnastics

Rhythmic accompaniment

Teaching rhythms

• If Children are to move to a rhythm, it must be stimulating, appealing and appropriate for the expected response.
• Early experiences in rhythmic movement should focus on creative forms.
• Suggestions:
  • Avoid formations and partners
  • Use scatter formation
  • Forget left-right orientation
  • Forget clockwise-counterclockwise orientation
  • Perform a dance once (per session)
  • Slow down the music
  • Teach like sports
  • Emphasize practice not perfection
  • Combine instructions with movement
  • Choose dances that emphasize strong movements
  • Avoid the phrase "You’re out of step!"

Fundamental Rhythms

• The general purpose is to provide a variety of fundamental movements for the child to learn and develop a sense of rhythm.
• The atmosphere should be one of enjoyment, not rigidity.

Creative Rhythms

• Creativity is the goal
• Functional movement is secondary
• Each child should respond expressively within the scope of the movement pattern.

Folk Dances

• A traditional dance of a particular culture.
• A definite pattern or routine is specified and followed.

Developmental Level I Dances

• Involve simple patterns and uncomplicated changes
• Movements are primarily basic locomotor skills with hand gestures or clapping.
• Dance is conducted both with and without partners.

Developmental Level II Dances

• Focus clearly on folk dances
• Patterns are more difficult than those in Developmental Level I dances.
• Dances are vigorous, fast-moving and exciting.

Developmental Level III Dances

• At this level children should be adept dancers.
• Include dance patterns that must be performed with skill and finesse.
• Longer and require more concentration and memorization.