Three Rhythmic Skills for Toddlers, Preschoolers

Here are three more advanced gross rhythmic motor skills for toddlers and preschoolers, listed in order of difficulty; easiest first.

For three easier rhythmic motor skills described and illustrated click here.

If necessary at the beginning, stay at the student's side, facing the same direction, holding one of his hands, moving along together.

First, concentrate on just moving to the rhythm; perfection of technique follows with practice.

Move in straight lines, curving lines, circles or other shapes.

Teacher or onlookers clap the rhythm using hands or rhythm instrument.

tum = a strong beat of one count.
ta = weaker beat of half a count.

Numbered 4. to 6.

4. Galloping Kathy, almost 5, galloping

Rhythmic loping movements
leading with the same foot forward throughout.
Front foot steps forward
and back foot pulls up to front foot with a shuffle.
Arms in opposition, (as described in marching).
Clap:
ta tum, ta tum,
ta tum, ta tum

5. Sliding Kathy, almost 5, sliding

Many variations of basic step
of keeping knees slightly bent
while feet slide along the floor.
One foot leads, the other slides to meet it,
and then the opposite foot leads.
Moving side to side or forward or backward.
Arm position varies:
Hands on waist; arms outstretched to sides;
arms in opposition for big slides.
Clap:
tum, tum, tum, tum

6. Hopping Kathy, almost 5, hopping

Always done on one foot with a very brief pause between.
Hops are usually in a series.
For balance, hands on waist or arms outstretched to sides.
Clap:
ta, ta, ta, ta,
ta, ta, ta, ta

Homepage for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Easier Rhythmic Motor Skills
Teaching Rhythmic Motor Skills
Benefits of Learning Rhythmic Motor Skills - Toddlers and Preschoolers
Rhythmic Motor Skills for School Age Children

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Article and photo credits Susan Kramer