The kindergarten “Nesthüpfer” in Falkensee implements the concept “Health- and Movement-oriented Day Care Centres”, which was established in cooperation between the LSB SportService Brandenburg gGmbH, the Sports Confederation of Brandenburg e.V., the Sports Youth Brandenburg and the University of Potsdam. The focus of this concept is set on the movement, which is understood as the main driving force for development and the expression of children’s joy of life. The special feature of this concept lies in linkage of the elementary education principles of the federative state of Brandenburg with the learning content in the areas of: “Body, Movement, Health”, “Language, Communication and Written Culture”, “Music”, “Representation and Design”, “Mathematics and Natural Science” as well as “Social Life”.

In the day care centres (day nursery, kindergarten and after-school care) the children experience an active everyday life that provides a framework for their natural urge to move through room design, daily structure and under pedagogical supervision.

Best Practice – Rhythmic Drumming

What is Rhythmic Drumming?

Rhythmic drumming is an educational programme for kindergartens, after-school care centers and primary schools. It invites children to make rhythmic music and is intended to awaken their interest in rhythm and music. In addition, gross motor skills are demanded and promoted.

Rhythmic drumming is about experiencing music together through movement and dance. Especially in larger groups, it is fun to dynamically reinterpret and accompany pieces of music. Additionally, stress, worries and anger are relieved through movement.

You don’t need much to drum. Each child needs an exercise ball, a basket/holder for the ball and 1-2 drumsticks. The movement leader also needs a music system and a varied collection of rhythmic music to join in.

 

Who is rhythmic drumming suitable for?

Rhythmic drumming is suitable for children from 2/3 years of age. At this age, the first musical activities can take place in an age-appropriate way. Of course, the first attempts are made at this time and children become familiar with the beat and sound. With increasing age, the rhythms and movements can be expanded. More and more complex drum sounds can be guided.

The programme is suitable for many situations. The children’s natural urge to move – which is increasingly seldom used – can be captured and creatively shaped. For example, this activity is suitable for kindergarten children in the morning or afternoon. In primary school, drumming can be used for an active break, a change of pace or as an alternative musical activity.

 

Where can rhythmic drumming be offered?

Since this activity does not require a lot of materials, which are easy to obtain, it is quite location-independent. The programme can be offered both indoors and outdoors. The only thing to keep in mind is that the gymnastics balls take up a lot of space when inflated, which makes them difficult to transport. However, this problem can be solved inexpensively with a ball pump.

Why should rhythmic drumming be offered?

Rhythmic drumming covers different educational areas in a playful way. Among other things, it promotes gross motor skills, a sense of rhythm, eye-hand coordination, spatial and positional awareness, balance, bounce, social skills and early musical education.

The programme is suitable for children with age-appropriate development, but can also be offered as a support for children with developmental delays. Some of the activities are also suitable for inclusive use. The intensive movement of all parts of the body is particularly suitable for mobilising new energy. It also activates the cardiovascular system.

Authors: Ewelina Jenczewski and Erik Mittag