The Drumbeat Poem

Annabelle was Peter's friend,
Peter's friend was Tom -
Tom was very steady,
Tom was very strong.

Tom began to walk
At a steady beat -
Peter hurried after him,
Tripping at Tom's feet.

Tom - Tom - Tom - Tom ...
Peter - Peter - Peter ...    (You and your child say these together)

Peter quite liked Annabelle,
But Annabelle was fast -
Annabelle was hurrying,
Afraid of being last.

Peter - Peter - Peter ...
Annabelle - Annabelle - Annabelle ...    (Say these together)

Annabelle's big sister
Also came along -
Annabella hoped that she
Could also join this song.

Annabelle - Annabelle - Annabelle ...
Annabella - Annabella - Annabella ...    (Say these together)

Tom and Annabella
Tried to stay together -
But Annabella sped along,
Going hell for leather.

Tom - Tom -Tom - Tom ...
Annabella - Annabella - Annabella ...    (Say these together)

Peter thought that Annabella
Ought to be HIS friend-
He ran along beside her
To achieve that end.

Peter - Peter - Peter ...
Annabella - Annabella - Annabella ...    (Say these together)

Now that they are travelling
In a little group -
See if they can stay together
In an endless loop.

Tom - Tom - Tom ...
Peter - Peter - Peter ...
Annabelle - Annabelle - Annabelle ..
Annabella - Annabella - Annabella ...

(You need three children and one adult now!)

A poem for you and your child to learn about musical beats. Requires participation! Try clapping out the rhythm as you say the names.

The syllables represent the beats. The most difficult combinations have 'Annabelle' in as 'Annabelle' has three syllables..

I've put the last syllable of Annabella in red just to make it obvious that it's different from Annabelle.

You can find a whole website dedicated to a similar way of teaching percussion to children at http://www.brianjharris.com/.

He has a fun-looking book called 'The Snare Drum Plays The Zoo'