Tap Like I’m Tappin’

The ability to follow directions requires children to focus on what the teacher is saying. Tap Like I’m Tapping, a circle time rhythm song, is a great opportunity to practice this. This circle time rhythm song encourages children to practice this skill by requiring them to listen as well as watch, in order to participate along with their classmates. This social aspect is very motivating and powerful. Once the children have learned this circle time song, it opens up the door for them to create new ways to tap their sticks. Not only does this promote creative thinking, but it also gives children pride when their idea is chosen. Tapping on the body with rhythm sticks provides a physical representation of the beat which helps children create a strong sense of temporal awareness. This will help children later as they internalize the beat when they are being read to and when reading alone (Block, 2001, p. 44).