Block Beat
coordination activity for kids 5+
Tap the blocks from top to bottom, like reading sheet music.
In short
Block Beat is a rhythm activity at the table that only needs a printout. Your child reads a sheet of colored blocks from top to bottom, like sheet music, and taps them with their hands. It suits kindergartners and practices rhythm, getting both hands to work together and staying with it to the end of the sheet.
What you need
- Printouttemplate on A4
How to play
- Read the board from top to bottom like sheet music.
The full instructions are in the printable pack
3 more steps and 3 ideas to make it harder in the printable pack
All further steps and the ideas to make it harder are in the printable pack, together with all sheets to print.
See the printable packWhen it fits
- At the kitchen table while dinner is cooking and your child doesn't feel like sitting still.
- When your child loves drumming and clapping and you want a calmer version at the table.
- With a sibling or friend, since the kids can take turns tapping.
What your child practices
- Rhythm
- Both hands
- Sustained attention
Many everyday tasks need both hands at once, such as cutting with scissors, tying shoes or holding the paper steady while writing. Occupational therapy pages call this bilateral coordination and describe hands working at the same time, taking turns or with different roles. Block Beat pairs this with a steady rhythm and a sheet that is read from top to bottom.
Works well before or after
Before, Clap Echo plays with rhythms without a sheet. Afterward, Mirror Drawing is a good fit if your child still feels like a two-hand activity.
Printable templates
All 2 sheets for this exercise are in the printable pack.