Fun and simple rhythm stick songs for kids

If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to engage your little ones, rhythm stick songs are a fantastic option! Not only do rhythm stick songs get kids moving, but they also improve their hand-eye coordination and teach listening skills, all while having a blast together.

Below, I’m sharing some of our family’s favorite rhythm stick songs, from simple tapping and rubbing to more creative movements. These songs will keep your kids entertained, active, and learning, whether you’re tapping high, drumming low, or exploring different rhythms. Let’s get tapping and have some fun!

Hand of child grabbing rhythm sticks out of a bin

Get your materials

To start singing with rhythm sticks you need two objects that you can hold in each hand. You can use spoons, blocks, or cooking utensils. In our home we personally use a rhythm stick pair that has one bumpy stick and one smooth stick. There are other more budget-friendly sticks that work well too. The only downside to these budget-friendly sticks is when you “rub” or “scrape” your sticks together the sensory and sound output will be a little less than optimal. Do not let this stop you though! Perfect is the enemy of good.

Song #1: Tap, Tap, Tap your Sticks

This first song, Tap, Tap, Tap Your Sticks” is the perfect song to introduce rhythm stick songs.

It is quite simple. Basically, just sing the simple melody and change the action word each time. We’ve tapped, scraped, rubbed, drummed, and even walked our “sticks” around. (Rhythm sticks are the easiest to use, but you could use anything – spoons, blocks, even just your hands!)

It’s a great way to introduce rhythm sticks and get creative. The kids LOVE coming up with new actions. The actions they invent can get silly, but just go with it.

(Tune: Old Joe Clark)

Verse 1

Tap^†, tap, tap your sticks,
Tap your sticks together
Tap, tap, tap your sticks,
Tap your sticks together

Lalalalalala la
Lalalala la la
Lalalalalala la
Tap your sticks together

Verse 2

Scrape, scrape, scrape your sticks,
Scrape your sticks together
Scrape, scrape, scrape your sticks,
Scrape your sticks together

Lalalalalala la
Lalalala la la
Lalalalalala la
Scrape your sticks together

^†Change the action as many times as you want! You can rub, drum, walk, etc. Be as creative as you want!

Song #2: This is the Way We Tap our Sticks

Looking for an engaging and interactive song to do with your kids? Then try this rhythm stick song set to the tune of “Here We Go Around the Mulberry Bush”! With simple verses for tapping, rubbing, and drumming, this song turns playtime into a fun learning experience. It’s perfect for improving hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills while letting your kids explore new sounds. Additionally, it’s a great way to teach rhythm and listening skills.

(Tune: Here We Go Around the Mulberry Bush)

Verse 1

This is the way we tap our sticks,
Tap our sticks, tap our sticks.
This is the way we tap our sticks,
To make a happy sound!

Verse 2

This is the way we rub our sticks,
Rub our sticks, rub our sticks.
This is the way we rub our sticks,
As we play along.

Verse 3

This is the way we drum our sticks,
Drum our sticks, drum our sticks.
This is the way we drum our sticks,
All together now

Song #3:We’ve Got our Rhythm Sticks in Our Hands

Try “We’ve Got Our Rhythm Sticks in Our Hands,” sung to the tune of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” This lively song is perfect for incorporating rhythm sticks (or baking utensils if you’re improvising!). Also, each verse teaches them a unique skill:

In verse 1, kids hold their rhythm sticks, ready to play along. This helps teach them patience and waiting.
Next, verse 2 they tap the sticks high in the air. This teaches your children how to follow a beat. It can also help teach them spatial control even if they can’t see the sticks above their head.
Additionally, verse 3 they rub the sticks down low on the ground. They will learn exploring new sounds.
Finally, verse 4 they drum fast and then slow it down. This verse practices control and rhythm pacing.

(Tune: He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands)

Verse 1

We’ve got our rhythm sticks in our hands,
We’ve got our rhythm sticks in our hands,
We’ve got our rhythm sticks in our hands,
Now let us play the beat!

Verse 2

We tap them high up in the air,
We tap them high up in the air,
We tap them high up in the air,
Now let us play the beat!

Verse 3

We rub them down low on the ground,
We rub them down low on the ground,
We rub them down low on the ground,
Now let us play the beat!

Verse 4

We drum them fast, then slow it down,
We drum them fast, then slow it down,
We drum them fast, then slow it down,
Now let us play the beat!

Song #4: Tap on your Shoulders

This rhythm stick song set to the tune of “You Are My Sunshine”! It’s super simple and incorporates tapping different body parts like shoulders, knees, elbows, and toes. Plus, not only does it get your kids moving, but it also helps them build coordination and body awareness.

It’s perfect for developing fine motor skills and coordination as your child taps along. On top of all of the other fun benefits, this song is easy to modify, too—let your little one choose new body parts to tap or create their own rhythms.

(Tune: You are my Sunshine)

Verse 1

Tap on your shoulders, tap on your shoulders,
Tap on your shoulders, just like me,
Now tap your knees, please, tap on your knees, please,
We’re having fun as you can see!

Verse 2

Now tap your elbows, now tap your elbows,
Now tap your toes, and touch the ground,
Tap on your head, now, tap on your head, now,
We’ll keep on tapping, all around!

Verse 3

Tap on your tummy, tap on your tummy,
Now tap your hips and then your hands,
Let’s tap together, now and forever,
We’ll make some music, fun and grand!

Song #5: Tapping Sticks Brings Fun and Cheer!

This one is more of a rhythm stick chant than a rhythm stick song. This lively chant has kids tapping high, low, to the side, and on the floor while following the fun and catchy beat. Additionally, the simple instructions help children engage in movement while learning basic coordination and rhythm. It is a quick and simple and will get your children moving in all directions.

(Tune: Way Up High in the Apple Tree!)

Way up high, with my sticks in hand,
I tap them softly where I stand.
Tap-tap-tap, they make a beat,
Now tap them low, down by my feet.

Tap to the side, then up once more,
Tap them quickly on the floor.
Tap them together, loud and clear,
Tapping sticks brings fun and cheer!

Get tapping!

I hope these rhythm stick songs help you get tapping with your children. There are so many other rhythm stick songs that you can find. Some of our other favorites include:

Toolbox song (This one is a little long, but is has some fun unique actions using sticks. Your kid that loves dad’s toolbox will love this one!)
Bread and Butter
Tick Tock Goes the Clock (This one is silly, silly, but so, so fun.)

Remember, you do not rhythm sticks to do these songs. Just be creative and pull out your spoons and cooking utensils. Your kids don’t care! I promise it will teach them the same skills.

Also, use your rhythm sticks for more than just singing. Use them to count to ten. It is an easy exercise. Tap on each number as you count upwards. You can also play listening and imitation games. First you tap a rhythm, and then have your child listen closely and try to imitate it. This is great for enhancing listening skills and developing musical timing.

Comment below if there are any rhythm stick songs that you sing with your children. Be sure to share and save for later!