Materials:
--Rhythm cards: Cut 10-30 pieces of paper in half. Each half is one measure (4/4 for younger students; other time signatures welcome for older students.) Write various combinations of notes and/or rests, written large and bold. Difficulty and note values vary depending on age level. I prefer to use sets of cards that are similar in their components so that students can learn one principle at a time. (Ex.-only quarters and eighth notes set, only quarter notes and rests set.)
--Handbell
--Whiteboard and whiteboard marker for scorekeeping
Directions:
1. Review a few rhythm cards before starting. Have students try all together and ask for volunteers. Race will be using words TAH TEETEE and SHH so make sure this practice time uses those words.
2. Divide students into two groups, making sure each team has approximately same skill level players. Have students make two lines and place handbell at end of lines, equidistant from the last players.
3. Explain how game will work and try example round before actually starting.
4. Teacher counts off and gives each player at front of the line a rhythm card at same time. First player has hardest job, so if this is a younger student this round, teacher should help translate the card into TAH TEETEE SHH for student. First player whispers the rhythm to next person in line, which continues down the line. The player at the end of the line grabs the handbell and rings when they have heard the rhythm, and says the rhythm loudly and immediately. If there is a tie, best to give neither team points, and redo, with new cards. (Students have a hard time saying rhythm after hearing other team's rhythm.) Each round players who were first in line go to back and everyone else moves up so that everyone gets a turn in both positions.
Notes:
--As with all team games, feel free to take away points for bad sportsmanship, etc.
--Another variety: have students squeeze each other's hands rather than passing on a verbal sequence. Have not tried this because it seems much more difficult and has potential of student's hurting by squeezing too hard. Also would require clapping at end which is much more difficult for younger students than saying a verbal sequence.
--Rhythm cards can be used for a variety of projects, so worth laminating.
