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Opening Warm-Ups

Rhythm Pups

Ages 3–74–6 minutes
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At a glance

Coordination, rhythm, listening and timing

Learning
Coordination, rhythm, listening and moving in time with the group.
Equipment
No kit needed
Best group
Whole class as one group
Space / set up
Children spread out facing the coach.
Duration
4–6 minutes
Skills
Movement, Teamwork, Reaction, Jumping & landing

Setup

Coaching diagram

  • Coach at the front (teacher mirrors at the back)
  • Pup (child)
  • Children spread out facing the coach with room to clap and step.
  • Coach central and clearly visible.

How to play

Run the activity

  1. 1Coach makes a simple rhythm with claps, steps or body movements.
  2. 2Children copy it back together.
  3. 3Use patterns such as clap-clap-jump, step-step-clap, quick-quick-slow.
  4. 4Build up to longer patterns as the group settles.
  5. 5Let a child create the next rhythm for everyone to copy.

Coach language

Say it like this

  • “Listen!”
  • “Copy the rhythm!”
  • “Move together!”

Stage

Early Years / KS1

This activity is suitable for ages 3–7. Choose a stage to see the coaching guidance for that group.

Use two-part patterns only.

Scale it

30 pups

  • Whole group works well — the rhythm keeps everyone together.
  • Teacher claps along from the back so the far side stays in time.

Safety

Stay safe and strong

  • Keep movements controlled and inside personal space.

Adapt it

Make it easier / Level it up

Make it easier: Use only clapping and stepping.

Level it up: A child leads the next rhythm.

Variations

More variations

  • Pup band

    Half the group claps, half the group steps.

  • Silent rhythm

    Movement only, no sound.

PAWS connection

PAWS / READY

PPrimary PAWS valuePlay with Purpose

Secondary PAWS links

WWork Together

P: listen and time it right • W: the whole Pack moves together