ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses children generally find tapping the rhythm of songs straightforward, probably because the words create the rhythm, making it easier to identify. All rhythmic training in the kindergarten must be in the context of songs and rhymes, that is living music. Having children March in a circle to a drum beat or while clapping is an unmusical exercise. To support children's rhythmic development the use of movement with all activities is essential. The stages of rhythmic development are: Establishing a strong sense of steady beat; recognising and reproducing rhythmic content of songs; combining steady beat and rhythm. The steady beat continues through the rest, whereas in the rhythm it will create an empty space. As with all new learning, much unconscious experience and physical practice are required to develop the child's skills and understanding of rhythm. Like poetry, all songs and music have an identifiable structure.
