Put the BEAT in your Feet: Music Game for Reinforcing Tempo

Ever notice how the "Freeze Dance" or "Move/Freeze" never seems to get old for our little students?
Including movement in lessons is something that truly can help regain focus.  Students are being asked to do so much more in their regular classrooms that could cause them a true need to move their little bodies around and get that blood flowing again.  I was taught to rotate activities of concentration vs. relaxation throughout my music class lessons and this is one game that has stood the test of time over the last 18 years with many different grade levels.

"Put the BEAT in your FEET" 

A super fun and simple game that can be used for any grade level and the kids love it!
You can even use it for music sub plans!

TEMPO Identify GAME:

• Students in standing circle
• Teacher uses Temple Blocks and plays a steady beat
• Students must “match the beat with their feet.”   They must (march) in place UNLESS you say “TRAVEL.”  (I make sure to remind them before I start by counting off "In your place, ready go" - When you stop, their feet must stop.   
• Ask them to raise their hand and identify the tempo (fast, slow, medium). 
• If correct, change the tempo and play again.  When you feel like they're really focused on listening and ready, they can travel around the room matching the beat to their feet.  They love this game!   
• Make sure they identify the speed correctly.  To differentiate for upper elementary grades, give them 3 "Tempo" choices and reinforce that music vocabulary!  (Largo, Presto, Andante, etc.) I have different tempo visuals posted, so I direct their attention to the Tempo Wall.
• And of course, to make it more challenging, you can choose to add in the old "If you move, you're out," or even have individuals play the temple blocks!  Just another trick to keep students engaged.
• {Music Class Transition Idea} During my lessons, I like to have the kids come in and sit on their carpet spots, but throughout the lesson, we "travel" to different places in the room.  Playing this little game can work as a transition.  And, it works well to help quietly transition those very energetic and chatty classes.  I'll say, "Put the beat, in your feet," travel to ......."Singing Street" or wherever our next learning spot will be.  

Give it a try!  Please comment if you have a short and sweet no-fail game that helps reinforce a concept.