Clapping and Singing Rhythms with Children

Reading music notation starts with basic rhythms and note values.. Charleston Music Lessons.

Music & Movement Class Feb 6, 2026 - details.

After a few months of music class, children are developing their own preference for instruments (ukulele, guitar, glockenspiel, keyboard, percussion, bass) and songs (Hot Cross Buns, Woodpecker Tap Tap, Twinkle Star, I”m a Little Teapot, Wipeout). They are afforded free music time during class each week in order to practice at their own pace and each continue to make wonderful progress!

Here’s a summary of some recent music theory lessons that will help with any instrument:

Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do is the same as

1.   2.   3.  4.  5.  6.  7. 8 (called "scale degrees" or intervals.

C.  D.   E.  F.   G.  A. B. C (pitch/note names)

We’re also strengthening rhythm and music reading skills - children may have brought home a must note worksheet yesterday, here’s a link if you’d like a copy.

In Movement class this week, we continue with a variety of yoga and challenging balance poses as well as work on our tossing and coordination with hacky sack. Rather than a free for all, I instruct the children to

1. Form a circle in a small group

2. Only serve the sack to someone else, not to yourself

3. Do not catch with hands, unless protecting your face

4. Keep your eye on the ball at all times

5. Don’t jump into someone else’s space and especially don’t bend over to catch it while someone may try to get the sack with their knee or foot.

I highly recommend picking one up for fun at home!