Random Rhythm Relay Game

 The classes I'm teaching music to this year said that their last music teacher (I'm their third this year, plus they had some time without a consistent teacher) did too many worksheets. Some said they'd like more music games. I will admit, I'm not huge on the games. I trained to teach students how to play instruments. I did take some additional training for grades 1-6, but it was online and games were not a big focus. 

I created this game so I could discreetly assess how much they know about rhythms and so I have some data for their report cards that I have to write this week.  Two birds, one game LOL.

I started with using www.flippety.net to create groups of 4. In retrospect, I should have used groups of 5 because so many were away. I had intended 5 groups of 4 (one had 3), but one of the groups ended up with only 2! Or, I should have waited until I was in the class to create the groups, but I wanted to write up the score sheet ahead of time. 

I made a spreadsheet, with each group down the left. I gave each group a musical symbol name: treble clef, fermata, rest, quarter note, eighth notes. I added the students' names under each group. Across the top was 1-5, I was hoping to do 5 rounds. 

I also wanted to use this activity to help me learn some names. I created name tags in Canva, using a template that was 4 across and 3 down. I inserted their names using a fun font. I was working sideways because I forgot to set the paper size to 11x8.5" instead of the standard 8.5x11".  So the left edge of their name was at the top of the rectangle, if that makes sense. Printed and cut out. Originally I was going to get "Hello My Name Is" stickers but the dollar store didn't have any.  

I added their group symbol to each name tag, and made 5 pages with hand drawn symbols to match the five groups. 

To add a bit more fun, I randomly handed out the name tags. I told them they had to find their own tag, then put it on, and find their group (I placed the 5 signs arounds the room). 

I told them they'd see a rhythm (www.rhythmrandomizer.com) projected and as a group they'd decide who will clap it. They each had to have a turn though! 

I gave 0 pts if they refused to participate, 1 pt if they made an effort, and 2 pts if it was really good. In hindsight, I should have done it out of 3 or 4 because many had the right idea, but for some reason, nearly everyone in one class swung the paired eighth notes!

I set the Rhythm Randomizer to a fairly basic level--quarter notes, quarter rests, paired eighth notes. Two rounds of that, then I added 4 16th notes. Then I added triplets. Along the way, I did give out some tips, such as making the two eighth notes even, not making a gap between groupings, and some words we'll use when doing rhythm activities (pie, apple, watermelon, chocolate, etc). 

Originally we were going to use these cool paddle drums (sort of like plastic ping pong paddles) that I have, but 1) they were too rowdy and 2) I noticed just before leaving that they're called "Bong Ball" paddles. These are grade 7/8 students in an older downtown neighbourhood.  Many of them would know what a bong is. Maybe next time. 

I did have a struggle with keeping each group separated. They weren't really working with their group. Next time, I'd spread the groups out a bit better. I did learn a few more names, and now have some more data for report cards. 

I'll definitely do this game again, with a few modifications, as we learn more rhythms. It's easy to organize, needs basically nothing but a laptop to project the rhythm (you could even use flashcards if you have them), and was easy to document data. 

 If you're struggling with middle school or intermediates, you might like this bundle: