Rhythm playfield

1. Introduction (5 min): Explain the purpose of the activity.
2. Simple rhythm game (15min): Facilitator encourages the group to remember rhythm games they played as children with one another, using hands for clapping with other people in pairs or groups. The facilitator goes first and shows the game with the group, demonstrating with one or multiple people from the group. The rest of the group is encouraged to form their own pairs or smaller groups and follow the facilitator’s group. Then, volunteers are called to share with the group. They demonstrate and the rest of the group follows. Optional: Facilitators share a rhythm game done in a pair, and then encourage volunteers to show games done in bigger and bigger groups, finishing in a big circle.
3. Rhythmic movement (15min): The facilitator explains the point of the exercise – to follow another’s movement with rhythm. Participants are split in pairs. Each person has 5 minutes for rhythmic movement, and the task of their pair is to follow their movement with rhythm produced in a way they wish – with hands, on objects, with simple percussion instruments (if available). The rhythm should try to match the other persons’ movement as best as possible. Then, the roles are switched. If there are visually impaired people, instead of movement the other person can use the voice or their own rhythm.
4. Dancing to the beat (35min): The group is split in two. The first group sits in a circle and develops their own rhythmic concert, using their body, objects, floor, or instruments. The facilitator explains that they should improvise, but also listen to each other and try to explore together. The second group is the audience and after some time, the facilitator encourages them to get up and start dancing to the music. Then, the groups switch roles.
5. Reflection and evaluation (10 min): Participants sit in a circle and share thoughts on how the activity was for them.

Reflection Questions:

• • What was this experience like for you?
  • How did you feel with the rhythm? Was it easy or hard for you to complete the tasks?
  • Was there something that surprised you? Which part of the experience was the most impactful for you?
  • Did you learn something new about yourself and others during the activities?

For evaluation, observe participant engagement and mood, the way they react to the assignment and how they collaborate in groups. Collect feedback verbally, via a quick survey or through associative cards.