Sustainable Rhythm Manipulatives

When my friend Kelly from Rhythmically Yours told me about her new new manipulatives, I HAD to buy some. Even though I basically live with my laminator, I always like incorporating harder manipulatives when possible. These sustainable rhythm manipulatives are just what the teacher ordered.

Note: Since I published this a few years ago, Kelly has shuttered the doors to her store. These are still a gem and I’m thankful I have them from her!

So these wooden manipulatives come with three different rhythm notation (quarter, eighth, and quarter rest).

There are 4 beat strips for students as shown above. These are an easy set to hand out to students.

And she also has a 16 beat chart for teachers or longer rhythms.

So how do you use rhythm manipulatives?

Just a quick look at these wonderful manipulatives and you can easily use them right away with some simple work in the classroom.

• Dictation practice in centers or individual work.
  Listen to a 4 beat pattern and write it out.
• Use the 16 beat version to work on form.
• Pattern creation
  Students create their own
• Early stage writing
  Students read a pattern or take dictation then write out. In early writing, students often copy to ensure accuracy.
• Copy then write
  Students arrange the pattern they see, or translate from icons than write.
• Copy or write then play
  Students create the pattern then write.

Snag the manipulatives from Kelly’s Etsy Store.

Looking for more ideas? Check out this post about manipulatives.

I hope this is helpful!