oshc activities
World Music Day / Cup Rhythm Circle

Cup Rhythm Circle

Children sit in a circle and pass plastic cups to a steady beat, learning a clap-tap-pass pattern that grows faster and trickier.

How to run it

  1. Sit children in a circle with a plastic cup each.
  2. Teach a simple pattern: clap, clap, tap the cup, lift and pass it to the right.
  3. Practise slowly together, then speed up the beat.
  4. Add a song over the top or let children invent their own rhythm pattern.

You will need

  • plastic cups (one per child)
  • table or hard floor
Make it easier or harderYounger children can use a slower two-step pattern; older children can learn a longer pattern and perform in rounds.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4, Outcome 5Children cooperate to keep a shared beat, developing concentration, timing and communication.

Fits these theme days

World Music DayMusic and Dance DayRock Band DayTeamwork DayMusic Festival Day

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