Rhythmic Comprehension

In second grade music, we are extending our work with Rhythmic Dictation from 4 beat patterns to 8 beat patterns.  In the game, children listen to a snare drum recording of various patterns.  Instead of our children internalizing a one measure grouping of notes, they are now internalizing a two measure grouping of notes.  Once hearing the pattern example three times, the children then manipulate the rhythm into the order they believe is correct.  In addition to their comprehension skill building, this assessment also allows students to answer the following questions independently:

1.  Do I agree with the rhythm I have completed?

2.  Do I disagree?  Does something need to change?

3.  Am I still listening?  Do I need to hear the rhythm example played again? 

Students have been very successful with the challenge.  We read each example at the end for confirmation of the correct rhythm.  Our next endeavor will include pitched melodic examples where we will transfer our skill from rhythms on a snare drum to rhythms on a melodic instrument.