Rhythm Clapping

This is an idea I love from Preschoolwise (page 127). This develops listening skills and teaches rhythm.

AGE RANGE
Three and up. Some two year olds might be able to do this.

ACTIVITY
You clap a simple rhythm and have your child repeat it. It is as simple as that. Start with simple rhythms--perhaps about three claps long. You can do straight time or syncopate as your child gets better at it. Clap in quarter note lengths on down to sixteenth note lengths. If you have no idea what that means, don't worry about it. Just clap at different speeds and different rhythms.

This is a great activity to turn to when your child is growing restless and you need him to wait a bit longer (assuming you are in a location where you can clap. But even in a waiting room, you could pat your legs).