If you’re looking for a great resource to teach beginning rhythm, I’d love to introduce you to Word Chains. What are they? A Word Chain is a set of words all based on a central topic, where students get to practice speaking/clapping/playing various rhythm patterns.
What you’ll find in this blog post:
- Step-by-step instructions to create a Word Chain
- How to perform by speaking and playing instruments
- Ideas for extension based on the level of your students
Beginning rhythm: quarter notes and paired eighth notes
The first thing you’ll need to do to start a Word Chain is let children pick a topic. Suggestions might be: favorite foods, sports, animals, or holiday-themed words. I always like to go with desserts because it’s a crowd favorite. 😋
Next, let students brainstorm a list of words. An example list for desserts might look like this:
- apple pie
- brownies
- cookies
- cake
- fudge
- ice cream sundae
- cupcake
Now it’s time to narrow down the list to just four words. The only rule is that kids must choose words that have either one or two syllables. In music, a one-syllable word represents a quarter note and a two-syllable word represents paired eighth notes. These are the two most basic note values in rhythm, and they’re the perfect foundation for beginners!
Looking at the example list, we’ll keep: brownies (two syllables), cookies (two syllables), cake (one syllable), and fudge (one syllable).
How to perform the Word Chain
Once you’ve selected your four words, write or place each one into a row of four boxes. Each box represents one beat in the pattern. Students will practice speaking the words aloud while clapping the rhythm. Here’s how to build up the skill:
Step 1: Point to each box and say the words in a steady rhythm. Repeat several times.
Step 2: Add clapping while speaking. Clap once for each syllable.
Step 3: Replace voices with instruments. If you have percussion instruments (or homemade ones!), have kids play the rhythm on their instruments instead of clapping.
Step 4: Try it without speaking. This is the hardest part! Students play the rhythm on instruments while only thinking the words in their head. This is great ear training because they will get a good idea of whether they are playing the sounds accurately or not. And if they are really getting the hang of each step, then consider letting them mix up the order.
Ready for a challenge?
Now that you know the basic process for creating and performing a Word Chain, you might want to add a bonus round to the activity. Here are two ways you can extend this to challenge your students.
Option #1: Erase at least one of the beats and replace it with a quarter rest. Teach the students that any beat with this symbol means that beat is silent, and you should not play any sound. Easier said than done, especially if you choose to put a rest at the very end!
Option #2: Turn it into a game. For example, “This time you are only allowed to play the boxes that contain paired eighth notes. You must be silent on all the quarter notes.” This helps students to internalize the rhythm as they continue to think the words in their head. It can be tricky and will often turn into giggles when someone accidentally plays at the wrong time, but that’s all part of the fun learning process.
Want to find out more about Word Chains and see one in action? Check out this YouTube video from Morning Basket Music, and see exactly how I model it.