Lower elementary students have been focusing on pulse, or steady beat, and rhythm through various listening and movement activities as well as by exploring the array of percussive instruments available in the music room. They are also learning to read musical rhythms. This week, students in kindergarten and third grade became composers by creating their own rhythm sets using tactile, hands-on materials! Third grade composers used popsicle sticks to create 4-beat measures. They then had the chance to visit other tables to read and perform rhythms created by their classmates! Kinders worked together in groups to construct rhythm patterns using small boxes with “long and short” iconic notation symbols. Each group enjoyed hearing the entire class clap their compositions!