Submitted by Connie Herbon, Iowa
Idea posted October 26, 2004
Preparation: (put the "toss" on the number, not the "catch")
- Count in sets of four. The teacher can keep beat on drum if necessary.
- All toss their beanbags on beat one, accenting the number in speaking it.
- All toss on beat two, accenting the number, then on three, and then on four (or eight beats, if class can handle this).
Continue activity: (when group is synchronized on each number)
- Divide class into four (or eight) groups, and have each group toss only on their number, with the teacher still keeping a strong beat and ALL counting. Keep same numbers, but organize in 1, 2, 3, 4 order and toss on number.
- Add pre-selected music that has a strong, steady beat at the appropriate tempo.
- Spread students around room in whatever formation works for them. (If all are able to toss on their assigned beat and the numbers are not grouped together, this should make an attractive-looking activity, especially if the beanbags are multi-colored. I think third grade and up could do it with practice.)
Extension:
- Switch numbers
- Change meters
- Change tempo
- Use music with changing tempo, such as "In The Hall Of The Mountain King."