I use popsicle (also called craft) sticks for rhythmic dictation in 1st and 2nd grades.
I give each student a bundle of sticks with a rubber band around it.
I give each student a bundle of sticks with a rubber band around it.
Each student takes the rubber band off (no shooting!) and puts 4 "ta's" in front of him/her on the floor and the rest behind his/her back.
Then I say a rhythm, they echo. I repeat, they echo. Then, they turn their 4 beats into the rhythm I said. If they need to make a "ti-ti," they grab 2 additional sticks from behind their backs. If there is a rest, they use the rubber band to notate it.
It's a cheap and hands-on way to practice rhythms!
