Materials needed:
1. The song, Monster, from Red Grammer's recording, Can You Sound Just Like Me?
2. Rhythm sticks (2 sticks per student)
3. Monster Feet (see below to learn how to make quick and easy monster feet.
4. tambourine.
Activity:
Sit in a circle with rhythm sticks.
Chorus
I am a scary monster
I am such a horrible sight
I am a scary monster
I can roar with all my might
On the first 3 Choruses
1. tap bottom of sticks on floor once
2. then tap top of sticks on floor once for 7 counts
On the eighth count it is a “one and two” count tapping the sticks together in an x-formation in front of you. Repeat this pattern to complete the chorus.
On the 3 Verses
1. tap bottom of sticks on floor once
2. tap sticks together in an x formation once
3. tap neighbor's stick on either side of you once simultaneously
4. tap sticks together in an x formation
Repeat this pattern four times, ending in a “one and two” count tapping the sticks together in an x formation.
On the last Chorus
The pattern is the same except at the end when Red holds the word “might” for 7 counts. Here you will tap the bottom of the sticks alternating left and right. On the eighth count tap the sticks together in an x formation in front of you with a “one and two” count.
A Challenging Variation
Chorus: remains the same as above
verses:
1. tap the bottom of sticks once on floor
2. tap sticks together in an x formation
3. slap right stick down on the floor by your right side in a reaching distance of your neighbor to the right
4. switch your left hand stick into your right as you pick up the stick on the floor from your neighbor to your left.
Repeat pattern 4 times.
Once the students master the pattern, give all the students the same color rhythm sticks except for one that is a different color. The students will then be able to see the one different color stick travel around the circle.
After the rhythm pattern has been taught you can introduce the monster. The "monster" comes into the center of the circle with big monster feet to stomp or dance around with. The monster makes scary faces at the students in the circle. With a tambourine the monster can keep the beat while the students in the circle continue with the rhythm pattern. Kids can take turns being the monster.
To make monster feet: Tape 2 brown grocery bags together so that one is inside the other. The bag should lay horizontally like a shoe box. Cut a hole in the top so that a child's foot can fit in. Stuff the bag with newspaper to keep it from collapsing. From a third bag cut 5 large toes and paste to end of foot. Repeat for other foot.
