Music begins with sound, rhythm, and imagination. You do not need an instrument to start making music—your hands, feet, voice, and surroundings can become part of the band.
Create a Dinosaur Rhythm
Suggested grades: K–5
Time: 15–20 minutes
Begin with four steady beats:
STOMP — STOMP — CLAP — REST
Repeat the pattern four times.
Now create your own four-beat dinosaur rhythm using any combination of:
- Stomp
- Clap
- Tap
- Snap
- Roar
- Rest
Build the Bronto Beat
- Perform your pattern slowly.
- Repeat it at a faster tempo.
- Perform it quietly, as if a dinosaur is sneaking.
- Perform it loudly, as if the Brontos are running.
- Play the pattern with another person.
- Combine rhythms to create a longer song.
Creative Challenge
Choose a dinosaur and imagine how it might move. Would a huge sauropod produce slow, heavy beats? Would a small raptor create a quick rhythm? Draw the dinosaur and write its rhythm underneath it.
Music works best when performers listen to one another, keep the beat, and leave room for everyone to contribute.
Continue the Musical Adventure
Learn the basic Parts of a Guitar:
Read the Brontos comic Listening Makes the Band: