Clapping Rhythms
Our lives are formed of rhythmic pulses

Toddler and an adult partner work together in the clapping and moving exercises. The body feels and moves in rhythms naturally; walking, running, galloping happen in the sequence of motor development. Clapping these patterns with the toddler is a bonding activity. Fun and harmonious interactions, partner to toddler, carry over into harmonious interactions with the toddler's ever-broadening circle of contacts. Harmonious interaction at the earliest stages leads to harmony within the individual, and harmonious interactions later as an adult in society.

To begin, partner sits on the floor, legs straddled if comfortable; toddler sits cross-legged on floor in front of partner, facing forward, back against partner. Partner holds toddler's right wrist with right hand and left wrist with left hand, so that partner can lead toddler's clapping pattern.

1. Clapping in 4/4 time
   4 hand claps followed by 4 floor claps; repeat sequence over and over while saying 1, 2, 3, 4, & 1, 2, 3, 4 & 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.
   Technique: While seated comfortably make the rhythm a relaxed pace as walking would be, and for the floor claps both partner and toddler lean forward to use the floor as a 'drum'.
   
2. Clapping in 2/2 time
   Clap the pattern of the previous exercise except at a faster rate as in running steps.
   
3. Clapping in 2/4 time
   This is a more advanced rhythm for the older toddler. All hand claps; no floor claps. The rhythm is 'ta tum', 'ta tum'. It would be spoken as '& 1', making the 'ta tum' together a whole beat. The 'ta' is quick and the 'tum' is accented and slightly prolonged. This is the rhythm of galloping. Visualize a horse galloping. Practice clapping many sets of the galloping rhythm; clap-CLAP, clap-CLAP, clap-CLAP, etc.

Moving in Space
Life's a continuous line of movement whirling, swirling to form shape

Preparation: Enough floor space for partner and toddler to move, unhindered. The toddler follows the partner's lead rhythmically, at first; mastering the technique follows after.

1. Walking
   Partner and toddler, while holding hands, move in even steps following a pattern: straight line; diagonal line from corner to corner of room; circle; square; rectangle; triangle. The toddler does not need to be able to verbally repeat the shapes; the body comes to feel the patterns after repetitions. If partner and toddler are not holding hands arms swing in opposition. 4/4 time.
   
2. Running Even steps moving quickly in patterns used in previous walking exercise. Arms held out to side, or in opposition, if toddler and partner are not holding hands. 2/2 time.
   
3. Galloping
   Rhythmic loping movement with same foot in front throughout. For the rhythm visualize a horse galloping. Patterns of straight lines and in a circle.
   Technique: Front foot steps forward and back foot pulls up to front foot with a shuffle. Arms swinging in opposition or held to the side for balance. Done with or without partner. 2/4 time.
   
4. Swinging
   Toddler and partner standing separately facing each other at least 3 feet apart. Legs far enough apart to maintain balance.
   Technique: Arms begin down at sides and swing together to one side than swing together down in front, knees relax and bend, and then both arms swing up to the other side, knees straightening. Head turns to look at the movement of arms swinging to side, down in front and up to other side. Galloping rhythm of 2/4 time with accent on the upswing of the arms; down-UP, down-UP, down-UP, etc.

   "Clapping, Moving for Toddlers" © 2000 Susan Kramer susan@susankramer.com SusanKramer.com Biography