Fun Ideas For Teaching Music Tempo in the Elementary Classroom

Tempo Dice

Kids love to take turns rolling the dice in this fun tempo music activity. You simply sit students in a circle and pass out a small percussion instrument to each one. Remember to go over rules before you pass out instruments. I bought a large foam dice from the Dollar General and wrote the names of the tempos I wanted them to learn on each side. Then I put tape over the tempo terms, so it wouldn’t rub off when little hands started passing the dice around. Tape is also a great way to wipe the dice down after each student to take Covid preventative measures without the ink smearing. One child rolls the dice into the middle of the circle. When the dice stops, they all try to remember what the tempo means. I let everyone shout it out, but you can make them raise their hand. Then the students play their drums for about ten-seconds to the tempo. This helps students internalize the tempo and make a decision to play faster or slower than the time before. I use the conductor motion for silence to get them to stop, because it will be loud. A great way to pick the next student is to have the student who rolled the dice pick someone of the opposite sex who is sitting Criss-cross apple sauce, quietly, with their hand raised.

Walking to the Beat – A Fun Tempo Song

Walking to the Beat has become a class favorite. Give students a small percussion instrument or just have them clap. Students form a circle and chant the song together. At the word “freeze,” (inserted in the space at the end) have students stop quickly and then try to name the tempo they were walking and singing previously. I find that giving them the middle tempo first is a great way to put the other tempos in context. I won’t use fast until the circle and rules have been established and I see that it is safe. Kids will get really excited about this activity. If your classroom is small or has a lot of desks, this is a great excuse to go outside.

Tempo PowerPoint

I use PowerPoint presentations to teach my little ones fast and slow. Slightly older kids get a PowerPoint with the correct terms. This helps elementary students associate an animal or object with the tempo. It also helps solidify new vocabulary. You can have monthly themes that relate to the PowerPoint and tie it in with the songs you are choosing for the class. I love lessons that combine subjects. In this case, music is combined with English. Get your own PowerPoint Activity here.

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